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Denzel Washington trolled for saying 'devil got hold' of Will Smith and the only 'solution is prayer'

Washington’s words received backlash as netizens argued that protecting a friend’s actions when he is wrong doesn’t make you a bad friend

Denzel Washington is facing backlash after speaking out about Will Smith hitting Chris Rock at the Oscars. Washington, Tyler Perry, Bradley Cooper, and others were spotted consoling Smith during the ad break that followed the academy award winner hitting Rock across the face for a 'G.I. Jane' joke he made at his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Washington spoke in favor of the 'MIB 3' star at a conference held on Saturday, April 2. He also slammed those who criticized Smith as he said, “I don’t want to say what we talked about, but there but for the grace of God go any of us. Who are we to condemn? I don’t know all the ins and outs of the situation, but I know the only solution was prayer, the way I see it.”

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Washington also talked about his career and faith with the author and Bishop T.D. Jakes, Variety reported. He said, “Well, 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,’” he continued. “Conversely, when the devil comes at you, maybe it’s because he’s trying to do something, right? And for whatever reason, the devil got ahold of that circumstance that night.”

However, Washington’s words were met with backlash as people argued that protecting a friend’s actions when he is wrong doesn’t make you a bad friend.

A user wrote on Twitter, “#DenzelWashington : Who are we to condemn #WillSmith? People: We're the ones who watched someone physically assault another man and get away with it.” Another tweet read, “Nope, I've spent the last couple of days condemning Will Smiths actions and I still haven't physically assaulted anyone. It's okay to admit your friend was wrong. Him....just him.....not all of society....just him. Say it and move along.”

One user tweeted, "#DenzelWashington says “Who are we to condemn?” re: #WillSmithAssault “We” are the mostly rational American people who live by the rules and norms of a functioning society, one of which is to not assault another human being.That’s who “we” are.” Another tweeted, "Smith is mentally unstable, harmful and dangerous. Directing attention to devil is misleading #DenzelWashington.”

During Will's Best Actor award speech, he quoted Washington with these insightful words: “At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.”

He added, “Fortunately there were people there. Not just me, but others, Tyler Perry, came immediately right over there with me. [Said] some prayers.”

Smith resigned from The Academy as a result of his conduct, according to a statement issued Friday, April 1. He also apologized to Rock for his actions.

He posted a statement on Instagram saying, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.”