Denzel Washington opened out about his Oscar night encounter with Will Smith and what transpired after Smith smacked Chris Rock on stage. On Saturday, Washington was a visitor and speaker at Bishop T.D. Jakes’ leadership summit. Washington was questioned about the notorious slap and what occurred following during the two-hour talk about religion and his award-winning acting career.
“Well, there’s an old adage that says when the devil ignores you, you know you’re doing something wrong,” Washington responded in a video of the argument uploaded on Jakes’ verified Twitter account.
“‘Oh, no, leave him alone, he’s my favourite,’ says the satan. ‘Please don’t annoy him.’ When the satan comes after you, it may be because you’re attempting to do the right thing. And for whatever reason, the satan took advantage of that situation that night.”
"When the devil comes at you, maybe it’s because you’re trying to do something right. And for whatever reason, the devil got ahold of him, of that circumstance that night." Denzel Washington's personal, insightful commentary on Will Smith slap. https://t.co/Kkz9VET0NJ pic.twitter.com/Kc0l9TYUnf
— Caleb Howe (@CalebHowe) April 2, 2022
Smith came to the stage at the Academy Awards and smacked Chris Rock, who was introducing at the moment, when he poked fun at Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.
Smith received his first Academy Award shortly after the event and apologised to the Academy and others for the prior episode. Smith remarked during his victory speech that prior to his triumph, colleague contender Washington gave some advice to him that at your brightest moment, be cautious, that’s when the satan comes for you. During Saturday’s talk, Washington stated that he and actor and producer Tyler Perry prayed with Smith following the event.
“Fortunately, there were other individuals there, not just myself,” Washington told Jakes. “Tyler Perry came straight over there with me,” I said.
During the commercial break, Will Smith is pulled aside and comforted by Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry, who motion for him to brush it off. Will appears to wipe tears from his eyes as he sits back down with Jada, with Denzel comforting Jada and Will’s rep by his side. pic.twitter.com/uDGVnWrSS2
— Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) March 28, 2022
Washington refused to tell what the three men spoke or prayed about following the event.
“Who are we to judge?” Washington inquired. “I don’t know all the ins and outs of the matter, but I do know that prayer was the only remedy.”
Smith apologised on Instagram on Monday, calling his actions “inadmissible and unforgivable.”
