In a recent interview with The Times of London, Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington shed light on his growing disillusionment with American politics, asserting that citizens are being manipulated by political parties on both sides of the spectrum. The beloved actor, currently promoting his role in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated *Gladiator II*, expressed his frustrations about the state of governance in a digital age.

“It’s so easy to stand outside of America and criticize from afar,” Washington remarked, while speaking about the various political landscapes around the world. “Pick a country, any country, and you’ll find imperfections.” He noted that while every nation faces challenges, the digital era has exacerbated issues of control, often rendering authentic governance a mere illusion.

Washington articulated a strong belief that politicians are not living up to their promises. “It’s all politics; all promises unkept,” he stated, emphasizing that both the left and the right are utilizing technology as a tool for manipulation. He referred to a line from one of his earlier films, *Carbon Copy*, which poignantly encapsulates the current state: “Power to the people? Yeah, they had it once — it was called the Stone Age.”

He extended this metaphor to illustrate how society has become subservient to information, claiming, “We’re all slaves to information now. We really are. No matter your opinion on the leaders — whether you think one is crazy and the other is sane — it’s crucial to understand that you’re being manipulated by both sides. Period.” This declaration sends a sobering message that urges people to reconsider their political affiliations and the narratives they accept.

Despite the grim outlook he presented, Washington offered a silver lining: “So go to the movies,” he advised, suggesting that art can provide an escape and perhaps even a form of enlightenment amidst the chaos of political manipulation.

Fans can look forward to seeing Washington’s remarkable performance in *Gladiator II*, which is set to hit theaters this Friday. He will be sharing the screen with a talented ensemble cast, including Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, Fred Hechinger, and Connie Nielsen. As anticipation builds for this epic sequel, Washington reminds audiences that storytelling can often reflect deeper truths about the world around us, including the complexities of politics.