Denzel Washington breaks its silence over the fact that Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage during last weekend’s Oscars. Washington was one of the many celebrities at the ceremony who spoke privately with Smith after the incident, along with Tyler Perry and Bradley Cooper. Smith even shared some of the wisdom that Washington conveyed in his acceptance speech. “Denzel told me a few minutes ago, ‘At the highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes to you,’” Smith said as he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in “King Richard.” READ MORE: Will Smith collapses and apologizes while accepting Academy Award for Best Actor On Saturday, Washington joined evangelist TD Jakes during his International Leadership Summit, offering his views on what happened. “There is a saying: When the devil ignores you, then you know you are doing something wrong. The devil says, “Oh, no, leave him alone. “He is my favorite,” she said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “On the contrary, when the devil comes to you, it may be because you are trying to do something right. “And for whatever reason, the devil caught that occasion that night.” READ MORE: Chris Rock addresses Will Smith’s Oscar controversy for the first time on the Comedy Show: “I Am Still Processing” Washington seemed sympathetic to Smith. “Except for the grace of God, any of us goes there. Who are we to condemn? asked Washington. “I do not know all the ins and outs of the situation, but I do know that the only solution was prayer.” Later in the panel, Washington explained why he felt invited to speak with Smith. “I could not sit in my seat. “In no case could I sit in my seat,” he said. “I just am not that.”
