Denzel Washington on Will Smith slapping Chris Rock: 'Who are we to condemn?'

Denzel Washington won't "condemn" Will Smith for his behaviour at the Oscars.

The 67-year-old actor tried to defuse the situation after Smith smacked comedian Chris Rock, but Washington doesn't know the "ins and outs of the situation" and he's reluctant to judge him.

Speaking during an International Leadership Summit at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Washington said: "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 favourite'.

"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."

Washington didn't discuss the specific reasons behind the confrontation. But he also refused to condemn Smith for how he reacted to a joke about his wife.

He said: "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."

Washington spoke to Smith, 53, in the time between his confrontation with Rock and the moment he collected his Best Actor gong.

The veteran star felt the need to calm the situation down. He said: "I couldn't have sat in my seat. No way I could have sat in my seat. That's just not who I am."

Denzel Washington comforts Will Smith during the show at the 94th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Photo / Getty Images

Meanwhile, Rock has been inundated with big-money offers since the Oscars.

The stand-up comedian could see a financial benefit from the dramatic moment.

A source explained: "Chris has handled the situation with Will with such grace and poise - and it is paying dividends. Hollywood just can't get enough of him and while people are turning away from Will in droves, they're queuing up to see Chris."