“ Gladiator II ” director Ridley Scott is clearing the air about Denzel Washington’s claim that a same-sex kiss was cut from the new movie. “No, that’s bullshit,” Scott, 86, told Variety on the red carpet at the action film’s Los Angeles premiere on Monday.

Actress Connie Nielsen, who reunites with Ridley Scott as she reprises her role as Lucilla from the original Gladiator, agreed with the producer, revealing that her own grieving scene was left on the cutting room floor.

The conversation arose after speculation about whether the film explored unconventional dynamics between the characters. However, both Ridley Scott and Denzel dismissed the rumors, emphasizing that the scene had no deeper implications and was being misinterpreted.