AceShowbiz - Denzel Washington, who plays Macrinus in Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II", recently disclosed that a same-sex kiss scene involving his character was cut from the theatrical release. Washington stated in an interview with Gayety that the kiss was "full on the lips."

"I actually kissed a man in the film but they took it out, they cut it, I think they got chicken," Washington said. "I killed him about five minutes later. It's 'Gladiator.' It's the kiss of death."

The scene was apparently not the only same-sex kiss to be cut from the film. Paul Mescal, who played a character in the movie, revealed that a kiss between his character and Pedro Pascal's character was also removed.

Washington's decision to join "Gladiator II" was heavily influenced by his admiration for director Ridley Scott. He reunited with Scott for the sequel after their successful collaboration on "American Gangster" in 2007.

"I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley," Washington said. "We had a great go-round the first go-round and here we are. He's engaged. He's excited about life and his next film. He's an inspiration."

Washington's admission about the cut kiss has sparked speculation about the extent of LGBTQ+ representation in the Roman Empire. However, the actor declined to comment further during his interview.

"Gladiator II" premieres in theaters on November 22.