Connie Nielsen explained that the alleged gay kiss with Denzel Washington in 'Gladiator II' wasn't cut due to 'homophobia' but rather just editing.

Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and director Ridley Scott attended the Los Angeles premiere of "Gladiator II."

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.

Denzel Washington may have said that his same-sex kiss in “Gladiator II” was cut from the movie because the powers that be got “chicken,” but, according to director Ridley Scott, the kiss may not have happened at all.

Washington also walked back his original comments, noting that it was a "peck" and that the scene "really is much ado about nothing"

According to TMZ, an insider on the Ridley Scott-directed movie says the kiss was cut because it was not in the script. They say Washington shot the scene several times, adding improvised elements each time. The kiss was an improvisation on his part.

Washington also rolled back on his earlier claim the scene was cut from the film, calling the kiss a ‘peck’

Gladiator II’ director Ridley Scott said a same-sex kiss featuring Denzel Washington wasn’t cut from the movie after Washington said producers ‘got chicken’ and ‘cut it out’

Denzel Washington made a bold claim when he said he’d kissed a man for Gladiator II but “they” were too chicken to include it in the final cut. Washington didn’t clarify who “they” were, but in any case,

So, 'Gladiator II' director Ridley Scott is shutting down claims that a same-sex kiss was cut from the new movie. The rumors of such a scene made a big splash before the movie's release.