Will Smith recalled Denzel Washington’s message for him to be cautious at his highest moments.

It was not the best time for Hollywood star Will Smith despite winning an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams in his 2021 film, King Richard. The celebration of his Oscar win was sidelined by his behavior as he slapped presenter Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards.

Chris Rock. Credit: Oscars/YT
As Rock attempted to lighten the event with laughter, he made a joke directed at Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith while introducing the nominees for Best Documentary at the Oscars. Pinkett Smith rolled her eyes in response to the joke. Smith found it funny at first as he was seen laughing at the joke, but after seeing his wife’s response, the actor could not hold back and rushed to the stage and slapped Rock.

Denzel Washington’s Advice To Will Smith 

Denzel Washington in The Tragedy of Macbeth
No one ever expected Will Smith to make a scene at one of the biggest Hollywood events celebrating the prowess of cinema. Right after his violent behavior at the Oscars, Smith recalled legendary Hollywood veteran Denzel Washington’s message for the actor. During his Oscar acceptance speech, Smith apologized for the mishap he created with impulse.

“I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people. I know, to do what we do, you’ve got to be able to take abuse. You got to be able to have people talk crazy about you. In this business, you’ve got to be able to have people disrespecting you, and you’ve got to smile, you’ve got to pretend like that’s OK. What I loved was, Denzel [Washington] said to me a few moments ago, he said, ‘At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you,’” Smith said during his Oscar acceptance speech.

Washington was Smith’s fellow nominee for the category for his role in The Tragedy of Macbeth. Regardless, Washington’s lesson turned out to be valuable as it made the actor realize his mistake.

Will Smith Apologized Publically To Chris Rock 

Will Smith in King Richard
Smith was remorseful after his horrendous act at the Oscars. After the heavily discussed mishap he created, the actor took to Instagram to express his heartfelt apology. “I was fogged out by that point,” Smith said in the video. “It’s all fuzzy. I’ve reached out to Chris, and the message that came back is that he’s not ready to talk. And when he is, he will reach out,” he added.

“That was one of the things about that moment I just didn’t realize. I wasn’t thinking about how many people got hurt in that moment. So, I want to apologize to Chris’ mother. I want to apologize to Chris’ family — specifically, Tony Rock. We had a great relationship. You know, Tony Rock was my man, and this is probably irreparable.”

Smith went on to add, “It really breaks my heart to have stolen and tarnished your moment.” 

“So it hurts. It hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me. I’m a human and I made a mistake, and I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of shit.”

It is still unclear if Smith and Rock made amends after the event. Smith is now set to appear in Bad Boys: Ride or Die alongside Martin Lawrence.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is slated for a 7 June 2024 release.