Denzel Washington and TD Jakes Discuss Will Smith’s Oscar Outburst
When Will Smith “lost it” at the Oscars and slapped comedian Chris Rock publicly on one of the largest stages in Hollywood, Denzel Washington was there to quickly counsel Smith and pray with him along with producer and believer Tyler Perry. Washington a professing Christian and one of the top-rated actors in Hollywood shared with Bishop TD Jakes this weekend.
The Devil Made Smith Do It?
“There’s a saying: When the devil ignores you, then you know you’re doing something wrong. The devil goes, ‘Oh, no, leave him alone. He’s my favorite,’” Washington shared on Saturday at Jake’s International Leadership Summit hosted in Charlotte, NC.
Washington continued, “Conversely, 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 that circumstance that night.”
But for the Grace of God
Washington seemed to sympathize with Smith and recognized the sinful nature in any one of us to fall short of God’s standard.
“There but for the grace of God go any of us. Who are we to condemn?” Washington stated while discussing the situation with Jakes.
“I don’t know all the ins and outs of the situation, but I know the only solution was prayer.”
Washington has been outspoken in his faith, speaking boldly for Christ in various ways and at college graduation ceremonies and calling men and women to give God their all and trust him with the results.
Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock
In case you didn’t hear, Chris Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife Jada looking like Demi Moore in G.I. Jane. Jada has been very open about losing her hair due to a disease called alopecia. Though Will Smith was first seen laughing at the joke, seconds later he charged the stage and appeared to slap Rock across the face.
Smith shared in his acceptance speech that Denzel had told him moments before that at your highest moment the devil comes for you. Ironically moments later he was chosen as best actor for his role in King Richard, the story of the Williams family.
In a teary-eyed Oscar acceptance speed, Smith referenced what he felt God was calling him to.
Smith References God’s Plan In Oscar Acceptance Speech
“I am overwhelmed with all God is calling on me to do and to be in this world.” Smith went on to explain that this means being a vessel of love and protecting people.
Smith later apologized to Rock for his outburst at the Oscars. “I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be…”
