“Well, there’s a saying when the devil ignores you, then you know you’re doing something wrong.” These were reportedly the words of Denzel Washington when he spoke to an audience at Bishop T.D. Jakes’ International Leadership Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 2. Washington was referring to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony on March 27. Following the incident, Washington told the crowd that he and Tyler Perry walked over to Will and prayed with the disgraced actor. Washington wouldn’t reveal what they said, but he felt the only solution was prayer. Said the two-time Oscar winner, “For the grace of God, who are we to condemn?”
The pre-Grammys parties were rocking out in Las Vegas. On April 1, Black Women in Media hosted a pre-Grammys celebration honoring Black women in entertainment and music. The celebration was presented by TV One and hosted by Selena Hill, deputy digital editor at Black Enterprise. Held at a historic venue, guests included Tiffany Haddish, Omarion, Lori Harvey and more, and also boasted an awards ceremony with live entertainment.
Tongues are wagging that on April 2, Saweetie, Chloe Bailey and Summer Walker slayed on the red carpet at the Recording Academy Honors, which were presented by The Black Music Collective. John Legend was presented with a Global Impact Award. The Oscar-winning songwriter/crooner was dapper as always in a black and white suit. Other celebs in the house included MC Lyte, Jimmy Jam, D-Nice and popular country singer Jimmy Allen, who attended with his wife, Alexis Gale Allen, who is a nurse.
Following her break-up with Common back in November, Tiffany Haddish is rumored to be dating another rapper. Stallionaire Pooch was the “Girls Trip” star’s date on March 27 when she was a presenter at the Oscars. A few days later, Haddish and Pooch were spotted leaving Hollywood hotspot Craig’s together on March 31. Meanwhile, Haddish is supporting Will Smith. She told a reporter, “When I saw a Black man stand up for his wife, that meant so much to me.”