One of the wisest men in Hollywood, Denzel Washington, was quick to offer Will Smith wise counsel immediately following Smith’s “Slap Heard ‘Round The World” of comedian Chris Rock.
The two-time Oscar winner walked over to Smith following the outburst to calm the Fresh Prince by telling him that often in our greatest moments, evil forces are at work.
Take a look at Will Smith acknowledging Denzel’s words of wisdom:
Denzel Washington’s Calming Words To Will Smith
“At your highest moment, be careful. That’s when the devil comes for you.“
Only Denzel Washington could turn a chaotic moment and career low for Will Smith into a beautiful moment. That man is the GOAT. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/rec7H53yhu
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) March 28, 2022
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
I love this statement from Denzel. Many people have reacted with malice or jokes towards Smith, but Denzel went to him like a man and told him that sometimes the dark side gets the best of us. Smith was also approached by Tyler Perry and Bradley Cooper.
Denzel Washington is a wise man who isn’t afraid to show his faith in public. If anyone understands the rigor of award show pressure, it is him.
Before the Oscars, Washington was asked if he’d seen Will Smith yet because they were up for the same award. He had this to say:
How Would You React?
I am of two minds here. On the one hand, I understand defending your wife’s honor, and the two have had a publicly rocky relationship in the last few years.
But on the other, it was a joke. The idea that you can assault someone for a joke is a dangerous precedent.
Many people are saying Will Smith was acting “like a man” for slapping Chris Rock. What is manly about embarrassing yourself in public and losing every inch of high ground you could have?
#Oscars2022
Imagine if Will Smith went on stage, took the mic, and said,“My wife has been public about her struggle with alopecia, we don’t like that joke, and she’s still the most beautiful woman in the room.”
THE DIFFERENCE.
And the only fool is Chris Rock.#AcademyAwards— @GaryTraynor? (@GaryTraynor21) March 28, 2022
Violence doesn’t solve issues.
Smith should have gone to Rock in private and told him that the joke was offensive. I don’t know if Rock would have apologized, and frankly, he doesn’t need to. Comedians should never have to apologize for a joke if it is “offensive.”
And, as a lot of people have pointed out, Will Smith laughed at the remark. What changed in that intervening 15 seconds that caused him to approach and assault Chris Rock?
And why was Will Smith not immediately escorted out of the building? If some other audience member had attacked Chris Rock, would they have been allowed to stay? I don’t think so.
I highly doubt Will Smith will see any professional fallout from this. I hope the shame and embarrassment are enough for him to reflect on what he did and reach out and apologize to Chris Rock.
How would you react in this situation? Do you agree with Denzel Washington? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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