Denzel Washington once stated that he would do anything for Roberts

SUMMARY

Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts developed a close friendship during their time working together on The Pelican Brief
He once refused to kiss her in a romantic scene due to disappointment with his core audience
He believed that black women were not often seen as objects of desire on film

In the entertainment industry, acting legends Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts developed a unique friendship while working together on The Pelican Brief. Despite their close bond, Washington once revealed in an interview with Playboy that he would do anything for Roberts, even though he once refused to kiss her in a romantic scene.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington Would Do Anything for the “Moneymaking Machine” Julia Roberts?

Strictly from a business standpoint, The Pelican Brief with Julia Roberts was a “no-brainer” for Denzel Washington, as the actress, in Washington’s words, was simply a “moneymaking machine”. However, what followed after the shoot was over was a genuine friendship. Thus, the actor, who deliberately refrained from attending any high-class Hollywood social gatherings, went to a movie premiere at Roberts’ request. He once revealed to Playboy (via Genius),
“I don’t go in for that at all. I’m not at the events, hugging and kissing. It’s not my style. Sidney Poitier once told me, “If they see you for free all week, they won’t pay to see you on the weekend.” The point is, to have longevity as an actor in movies you have to have some mystery. Anyway, I’m not interested in all that. I’ll do an interview because I’m selling a movie. I’m not selling me. I don’t go to Hollywood events unless I can’t help it. The only other movie premiere I have gone to is Erin Brockovich.”

Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts
When asked why, out of all the movies, he chose to attend the premiere of Erin Brockovich, the actor claimed,
“Julia Roberts asked me. I would do anything for her.”
And when asked about what made him accept the offer for The Pelican Brief he jokingly said,
“They just asked me to do it. I said, “Hey, this is a no-brainer.” I got to ride the Julia machine. Julia’s a moneymaking machine.”
But even after the friendship and genuine connection he shared with the actress, Washington refused to kiss her in a romantic scene.

This Is Why Denzel Washington Refused to Kiss Julia Roberts

Denzel Washington, having experienced the disappointment of his core audience especially of black women, booing his film The Mighty Quinn due to a particular kissing scene, vowed not to repeat such a risk with Julia Roberts. He thus, refused to let history repeat itself, determined to safeguard the integrity of his work and the trust of his fans. Clearing the air on why he took that decision he explained to Newsweek,
“Black women are not often seen as objects of desire on film. They have always been my core audience.”
Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts in The Pelican Brief (1993)
Throughout the majority of his career, the actor then remained firm on this belief, reportedly choosing to remove intimate scenes in later films as well. Virtuosity and Man on Fire were the alleged victims of this rule.