Legendary actor Denzel Washington has taken on a new spiritual journey as he recently received his minister’s license at the age of 69. The iconic Hollywood star was baptized by Archbishop Christopher Bryant at Kelly Temple in New York City on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in his life.

In a heartfelt statement, Washington expressed gratitude and faith, saying, “It took a while, but I’m finally here... If God can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit.” Archbishop Bryant celebrated the moment on Facebook, sharing photos of Washington’s baptism and writing, “We celebrate the addition of Minister Denzel Washington into the clergy, having received his minister’s license in the Church of God in Christ today, in a truly uplifting moment.”

Washington’s faith has always been an integral part of his life, though he recently admitted that discussing religion in Hollywood is often met with resistance. In an interview with Esquire, the “Training Day” star said, “When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my Lord and Savior. I’m unafraid.”

He went on to reflect on the challenges of openly expressing his faith in the entertainment industry. “You can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town,” he remarked. “But I’m free now. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe.”

Washington also questioned the notion of “Hollywood” as a collective entity, stating, “There’s no such thing as Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That, to me, is just a street called Hollywood Boulevard.”

While acknowledging the lack of dialogue about faith among actors, he added, “It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe. So, I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do any polls. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”

Denzel Washington’s illustrious career spans decades, with notable roles in Training Day, Malcolm X, The Book of Eli, Fences, and Cry Freedom. His journey from Hollywood star to licensed minister marks a profound evolution, reflecting his unwavering commitment to faith and purpose.

Denzel Washington has been baptized and received his minister’s license.

He is now Minister Denzel Washington. pic.twitter.com/2iZttabW17

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 22, 2024

Stanley Alieke, legal counsel to controversial rapper Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has announced that the artist has been granted bail following almost a month in police custody.

Alieke shared this update on his Instagram handle on Monday, writing, “Apki has been granted bail by the court,” though he provided limited details about the proceedings.

Speed Darlington was arrested on November 27 while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo State. The arrest was reportedly linked to allegations of abuse against Afrofusion superstar Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy.

According to Darlington’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, Burna Boy was allegedly behind the rapper’s detention. The controversy stemmed from Darlington’s online taunts aimed at Burna Boy, criticizing his association with embattled American rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is currently facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

The feud reportedly prompted Darlington’s initial arrest. Upon his return, the outspoken rapper vowed not to back down from calling out Burna Boy over his ties to Diddy, further fueling the tension.

Earlier, Adeyanju had indicated that Darlington’s legal team was pursuing his release through a Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure (FREP) application. “Our FREP application for Speed Darlington has been granted by the court. He is to be arraigned within 48 hours or released. Issues around injustice may take time, but justice will always prevail,” Adeyanju stated.

With his release now secured, fans are eager to see how the drama between Speed Darlington and Burna Boy unfolds.