Christians around the world are speaking out on the attack actor Will Smith unleashed on presenter Chris Rock at the recent 94th Academy Awards.

Chris Rock, a well-known comedian, was presenting on stage where he was making jokes about celebrities in the audience and he landed on Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Rock joked about Jada’s shaved head. The comedian was unaware of Jada’s condition, she has struggled with alopecia which has not allowed her to grow her hair naturally. The camera’s panned over to the unamused couple where you could clearly see the joke was not received well, and Smith lept from his seat and went on stage and struck Rock across the face.

The comedian looked stunned as did the audience. Smith quickly returned to his seat and screamed profanity at Chris Rock for joking about his wife. Chris kept his composure during the altercation and assured Smith he would not make jokes about Jada anymore. Smith has been condemned for his actions with many saying he should’ve taken the higher road as any Christian should.

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

Thirty minutes later Smith would take the stage again this time to accept an Oscar for his performance in the movie King Richard. The actor shed tears on stage as he apologized to The Academy for his actions earlier but did not acknowledge Chris. Smith applauded fellow actor Denzel Washington for his words of wisdom after the altercation where he told Smith “At your highest moment, be careful. That’s when the devil comes for you.”

Now several other Christian leaders around the world have spoken out on the matter. Some believe Will should have been escorted out of the show immediately for his act of violence while others say he should have spoken to Chris man to man in private.

One pastor, Joshua Broome took to Instagram to let out his thoughts where he wrote:

“Culture today has become far too comfortable finding humor at the expense of others’ pain. I am a follower of Jesus first in every area of my life so with that said would I have responded in this way? No, but would have Inever appropriate. addressed it, man, to man absolutely yes 100%. The development of meekness and maturity as a Christian takes time. Meekness is not allowing people to disrespect you and walk all over you but it is having an appropriate amount of restraint. With that said as a husband, you’re also called to protect your family at all costs. To be clear I do not celebrate the fact that Will did this but is there a time in my life that I would have responded this way, yes for certain. What is inside of you will come out when pressed hard enough regardless of the stage. My hope is that there is reconciliation between these men and Will responds to the calling that he spoke about God having on his life.

I always have always been one of the biggest Will Smith fans and he has accomplished so much. It’s sad that one of the most accomplished entertainers of all time had the biggest night in his life along with a night to honor a family that’s accomplished so much in the Williams family diminished by this moment.

It is sad and we live in an incredibly broken world that needs Jesus desperately. I don’t know the status of either men’s heart when it comes to salvation but I pray that this moment is one to reflect upon to surrender to the only One who can make all things new.”

Smith has since released a statement publically apologizing to Rock and others for his behavior noting that it has ‘stained what has been another otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.”

A pastor from Cornerstone Church in Atlanta, Georgia tweeted “What Will Smith did last night was totally inexcusable AND completely understandable. I think those roads intersect. I’m surprised at how many takes make it seem like we have to pick aside. Maybe that’s a product of the polarized age we live in. There’s a lot to unpack.”

Other pastors were quick to point out other ways Smith could’ve handled the situation non-violently including using his acceptance speech to highlight his wife’s voice in the matter and point out how disrespecting black women is downright cruel. They also encouraged Smith to ask Jesus what he wants next time he is faced with blatant disrespect or what some are calling, bullying.

Besides, no one heals himself by wounding others.