Denzel Washington: 'Devil Got Ahold' Of Will Smith

Graeme O'Neil takes a look at Denzel Washington's perspective on Will Smith assaulting Chris Rock at the Oscars.

[tonyfisher]

The highest moment was Smith going for the best actor award. That's what he meant.

[abrahamabraham]

Denzel said "At your highest moment, that's when the Devil comes for you." He then said that the Devil got Will that night. It is clear to me that the Devil Denzel is referring to is 5' foot tall, wore a green dress that night, sat next to Will, gave him the side eye and told him to go do something.

[BryanLomax]

What he meant was that when you are about to have what should be a defining moment in your life the devil will come for you and try to steal your joy by making you trip up. He was warning Will, essentially telling him he was playing into the devil's hands by allowing his anger to control him. He was totally right in this situation.

[PeanutGallery]

If will paid attention he would not have gotten into this mess. Also leave Denzel alone.

[terracottakim]

You're confused 🤔 I'm guessing you weren't raised in the church like most Blk people in America are (not just Sunday, several times a week) - this is really simple, not complicated or layered at all.

[lunallena]

Denzel would have done better to check if Chris was ok first, clearly showing Will that Will was wrong. Instead, he tried to correct Will in an indirect way, and Will not only completely missed the point, but included Denzel's name in his blitheringly idiotic speech.

[elaine]

This is interesting, Will and jada does not act like people of god, now all of sudden they want to used god as a convince. They have been the butt of alot jokes regarding her engagement. And the comments have been worse then a G l jane joke.
That joke was a compliment.

[fv]

That was DW's way of saying that he flat out supports WS. The fact that he didn't even bring up Chris Rock speaks volumes. There's something about bringing religion into this whole mess that bothers the heck out of me.

[ballerinablush]

He was saying negativity can come at you at your highest moment, when you're doing good, an opportunity can present itself and you can react negatively. Now he said yes it did get a hold of him. SO I think he was warning Will of what he already did, like a principle, hey remember this saying, this can happen. Without saying it so forcefully like Will, this did happen, sorry the Devil got a hold of you. (Since he was trying to more comfort and help Will to not make the situation worse)

[jennifercamille]

Graeme, if you grow up in the South, you hear a lot about the Devil.

[LeeLee-nqhg]

What a load of crap..Smith is and always will be a complete egoist. Never mind the tears, it's all about Will...me me me me.

[angelinchrist]

"KNOW THYSELF"....Lest the devil will not be able to touch you or your family" Another words, heal that shit that you need to heal or the devil has a hole he may enter that you yourself have not closed....Remember the Devil is a fallen angel who once knew how powerful love is....and the Devil is nothing but a scared little boy with issues....he feeds off of our fear and our heartache....DO NOT GIVE POWER TO THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO FIX THEMSELVES OR LOVE is NOT your problem to do this they have to want to find this on their own....Codependant relationships are a prime example of how the devil works his tear apart good hearted people who think they need to fix anyone outside of do the healing work people....on YOUR OWN!!

[timothyrangel]

Will was basically riding high during that time. Respected high quality movies, people taking his side pertaining to him and his wife's marital issues. He then was nominated for an Academy award for best actor. One of the most prestigious accolades an actor/actress can achieve. He had alot of things going for him and people had his back. The 'devil' came out of Will in that moment slapping Chris Rock.
To some people, the 'devil' is your 'shadow side' or 'grey area' or who you turn into when you get angry and have had enough or your morales are challenged. This may not apply to everyone but this is the point I believe Denzel was trying to make.
Check yourself when you have the feeling of 'being on top of the world' or however you want to perceive it.
We're not 'untouchable', but we can be 'powerful' in the sense of providing a light at the end of the tunnel for others.

Be that light.

[sizzurpr]

When all else fails, blame the devil 🙄 SMH

[kingsleyuchella]

Will has made that one mistake Hollywood wants stars to make... Mark my word, this is the beginning of an end. It may sound lightly, but I've seen those tears before, and all those who had them never remained the same... Especially the black and successful.
Cheers

[michelefinney]

If you learn to read the Bible, you know the devil does exist. Those who say anything about this comment should pray for understanding of the truth and except it when it comes. The devil is working over time. You can’t see the air but you can see the results when the wind blows. Ye of little faith. Pray

[shauniac_brokenglass]

if you think about it, Denzel didn't contradict himself not even a bit, first acknowledge these are 2 different times, Devil got ahold of him cause Will reacted the way he did, Be careful at your highest the devil comes for You, this is too warn will to be smart about his actions from now on because there will always be things that will try bring him down or end his career, he must be careful with his moves a lot that can destroy him is lurking in the darkness... one he was telling the audience what happened, 2nd he was warning a brother out to be careful

[shinjiitsu]

He's saying the highest moment is him finally winning an award the "devil" (his abusive relationship and emasculation) got him and made him emotional to go slap Chris rock . Denzel also said on the carpet after the show that will had a meltdown insinuating he doesn't condone the physical violence

[sylviagarcia]

Why didn't Washington go to speak to Chris also. Washington you should've have talk to both of then. Chris was not at fault. Just saying

[christjesusis]

You need to change your topic if you’re confused about what Denzel was saying to Chris Rock… and certainly get an understanding by asking Denzel.