Isaiah Washington fired from Grey's Anatomy!

[MadonnasManOne]

I didn't think this would happen, but, it has. It sends a strong message, that hate against gay/lesbian/bi/transgendered members of society will not be tolerated.

http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry ... /800016659

Exclusive! Grey's Fires Isaiah Washington

Yeah, you read that headline correctly.

Multiple sources are telling me that Isaiah Washington will not be returning to Grey's Anatomy next season. An ABC Studios spokesperson confirms that the actor's contract option has not been picked up, but declined further comment.

One insider, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, speculated that the decision was likely due only in part to the T.R. Knight homophobic slur scandal and the subsequent fallout. "There was a pattern of problematic behavior going back before he used the F-word," says my spy. "I imagine [his dismissal] was the result of all of that."

Washington's rep, Howard Bragman, confirmed the news, adding that his client was informed by Grey's executive producer Shonda Rhimes earlier today that he was not being invited back to the show. In a statement, Washington referenced the famous line from Network, saying, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore."

Developing...

[PapiBear]

Hate? Remember that the next time a gay white person uses the N-word. And please, don't pretend it doesn't happen.

Shirley Q. Liquor? Ever listen to all the white gays defend Chuck Knipp's act? You gonna sit there and tell me that what he does isn't hate?

Don't tell me Isaiah Washington's words are harmful and shameful and then turn around and defend Chuck Knipp.

Understand me here - Isaiah was wrong and shouldn't have said those things, but describing what he said as "hate" - when gays call each other the exact same thing all the time - makes it equivalent to the N-word. Gays might want to rethink calling each other that, as well.

In the meantime, apparently apologizing to gays and trying to work things out with them isn't enough. Maybe gays need to remember that it goes both ways too.

[MadonnasManOne]

Don't try to turn this around on "gay white guys". This isn't an issue of white versus black. You are trying to make it that way, so, you can take the high road, and say, "Oh, look, a black person was fired for saying a hateful thing. That's so wrong. Poor Isaiah Washington" No. STOP! I am not even going to listen to you try to make this an issue of race.

The fact of the matter is, Isaiah Washington made a hate filled statement against GAY people. Not white gay people. Not black gay people. Not Asian gay people. Not any specific race of gay people. ALL GAY people. Yes, it was HATE.

How quickly you forget the whole Don Imus situation. The entire black community rose up against him, and cried HATE. The thing is, it wasn't just the black community who felt that what Don Imus said was wrong. The white community stood against him, as well. He apologized, made ammends, and he was still fired. I am quite positive that YOU felt that it was justified.

Now, the same exact type of hate is working against a member of the black community, and you think it's wrong for him to be punished. Amazing. Maybe YOU need to remember it works both ways!

I don't give a flying crap about this Chuck Knipp person. I've never heard of him. I don't care about him. I'm not defending him, because I've never heard of him. He doesn't figure into this situation, because it's not about him.

I will say this, however. If the situation had been reversed, and T.R. Knight would have called Isaiah Washington the N-word, the result would have been swift. He would have been fired, immediately. There wouldn't have been MONTHS of non-action on the part of the producers of the show, or a chance for T.R. Knight to apologize, make ammends, or film a PSA. He would have been dismissed, immediately. I have NO doubt about that.

Looks like it DOESN'T always go both ways.

[James]

Mmmm..... definitely on MMIs side here. It's so not fair to discriminate against anyone, regardless of whether they're gay or not, so I think that Isiah being fired (which I totally wanted, and am really happy about) should give him and others a wake-up call that it's not okay to be mean to others because of their life choices. I don't here many people calling him a n***** but I definitely don't like him, but that's because he is nasty and shouldn't be rewarded with a starring role on Grey's Anatomy for it. Anyway, thanks for this great news MM1, I couldn't be happier!
-James

[Disney-Fan]

Judging from the article, it serves him right. I hope this will serve as a lesson to all celebreties that think they can get away with hateful behaviour of any kind just because of their status.

I'm curious, was he written off the show or was this not planned in advance?

[Lazario]

I will say this, however. If the situation had been reversed, and T.R. Knight would have called Isaiah Washington the N-word, the result would have been swift. He would have been fired, immediately. There wouldn't have been MONTHS of non-action on the part of the producers of the show, or a chance for T.R. Knight to apologize, make ammends, or film a PSA. He would have been dismissed, immediately. I have NO doubt about that.

Looks like it DOESN'T always go both ways.

Right-on!


PapiBear is living proof that the gay and black communities are going to remain separate for a long time to come, if not indefinitely. We should support and help one another. But oddly, that isn't the case. Many black people still get uptight about gay rights and are in many cases quicker than whites to deny them their rights, all because of the Minority vs. Minority thing.

What you need to realize, PapiBear in case you don't already, is that gays are bothered by racism. If you read that Wikipedia article about Chuck Knipp, you'll see that Gay Groups were the ones who protested and picketed his shows.

And I know I'm not alone in finding many black people's jokes involving white people to be hilarious. Yet I don't think that entitles anyone to be allowed to make jokes about other groups of people.

Don't argue that most gay people aren't offended by the F-word anymore. Because this incident proves it's not true.

[Jasmine1022]

James and MM1, I'm not going to quote you both and say that I agree, so...I agree! With everything!

Also, I wanted to make mention of PapiBear talking about how gays call each other the F-word. I've heard many black people call each other, and even WHITE people the N-word, so then people think it's OK because they use it so freely. Any racial terms against gays, or blacks, or women should just not be used. Period. By anyone.

[PapiBear]

Also, I wanted to make mention of PapiBear talking about how gays call each other the F-word. I've heard many black people call each other, and even WHITE people the N-word, so then people think it's OK because they use it so freely. Any racial terms against gays, or blacks, or women should just not be used. Period. By anyone.

I agree. I don't refer to fellow Blacks that way, and I discourage other Blacks from using the term, especially in reference to me.

My point was that if the gay community won't accept that word coming from outside the community (like Blacks won't accept the N-word from outside the community), then they shouldn't accept it within the community as well.

MM1, I'm not trying to turn this into a Black vs. White issue. Like I said, I think Isaiah Washington was wrong for what he did. However, this whole issue should give both the LGBT community and the Black community pause, because it really comes down to an issue of language.

I'm actually glad you came out so strongly on this. Hopefully, the next time you encounter any sort of racially inflammatory words or attitudes within the gay community, you'll speak out against it.

[Lazario]

Yeah yeah yeah, sure sure sure. PapiBear is the new ambassador to UD's Gay Rights campaign.


Isaiah got what he deserved and the show will be better without him. That is the lesson of this tale, people.

[PapiBear]

Yeah yeah yeah, sure sure sure. PapiBear is the new ambassador to UD's Gay Rights campaign.


Isaiah got what he deserved and the show will be better without him. That is the lesson of this tale, people.

Keep my name out your mouth and we'll get along just fine.

[Dottie]

Isaiah Washinton certainly was wrong saying these words and the producers had to do something, but still I will miss the character of Burke, not Isaiah Washington, but Burke.
Someone in this business, actually no human being should say things like he did. It's disgisting!
But still his character was great, and it gave Cristina something that didn't make her seem like a robot as George once said about her in season 3.
But now that Burke is gone, maybe Dr. Han (or how in the world you spell that), the doctor who operated on Denny and George's dad, will get his job.
I think she'd be a great addition to the cast.
Let the specualtion begin!

[Simba3]

I think it is for the best that Isiah Washington was let go. Rememering when the story first broke, there was a lot of controversy over what was said and the reactions of other cast members. I know that many of the other cast members, especially Kathryn Heigl and Patrick Dempsey were very upset with the incident, and remained upset for quite some time. It doesn't sound like the incident that took place was at all a joke, and there for appropriate action should be taken. Bottom line is that you absolutely cannot talk to another co-worker in that manner, in the work place, and expect to get away with it.

[Anthony]

FINALLY he's fired!! That homophobic loser should have been fired when he first used the "F" word. This is great news!!

And PapiBear, you are so so so wrong that I can't even begin to explain why. I totally agree with Lazario, James and MM1. Drop it PapiBear, you're not going to win this one.

[PapiBear]

FINALLY he's fired!! That homophobic loser should have been fired when he first used the "F" word. This is great news!!

And PapiBear, you are so so so wrong that I can't even begin to explain why. I totally agree with Lazario, James and MM1. Drop it PapiBear, you're not going to win this one.

What am I wrong about? Agreeing that Isaiah Washington was wrong to have said what he did? Is that what I'm wrong about?

Or am I wrong for equating the F-word with the N-word? Am I wrong for saying that gay people shouldn't excuse racism in their own community if they would like non-gay communities to not excuse homophobia, or am I wrong for saying that gay people shouldn't use racist language, because it hurts non-whites like homophobic language hurts you? If so, why am I wrong about that?

I'm in a contest here? What's the prize in this contest? I'd really like to know what it was that now I'm not going to win, all because you decided I wouldn't. I wasn't even aware I was in a competition.

You can't explain why I'm wrong, or even what I'm wrong about, yet I'm supposed to just shut up, is that right? I'm supposed to shut up just because you say so? Do I understand you correctly, Anthony?

[Anthony]

Calm down PapiBear. I'm not interested in picking a fight with you. I'm just stating that you're wrong: this situation has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with race. And you shouldn't be making any comparisons to it (it was dumb for you to even bring it up in the first place).

Why does everything come back to race with you? You probably wouldn't be commenting on this thread if this was about a white person.

In the meantime, apparently apologizing to gays and trying to work things out with them isn't enough.

Please don't be foolish enough to believe that Isaiah felt bad about what he said, he just apologized because he knew his job was on the line. Are you really that naive?

That's all I have to say on this topic. I'm not interested joining you in some stupid pointless argument about your opinions on gays, race or whatever other nonsense you have to say. Don't care. I'm sure no one else does either.

[2099net]

Now, I'm not causing trouble here. But I don't really see what's so wrong with the "F" word. Is it really that bad over in America?

The United Kingdom is much more liberal when it comes to homosexuals than the US. For example, we had gay kisses on children's drama in the mid-90s. One of the lead characters in the family show – Captain Jack - Doctor Who is Bi-Sexual (well, technically he's omni-sexual. Male, female, human, alien… generally Captain Jack doesn't mind.). As well as this, the actor who plays him – John Barrowman is openly gay and has recently entered into a civil partnership.

Which brings me to my second and third points. We have civil partnerships (to all intents and purposes gay marriage) and we also have a number of performers who feel comfortable proclaiming their sexuality... from big(ish) stars like Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Derek Jacobi, Alan Bennett and Rupert Everett (who may actually be Bi) to lots of TV performers like Graham Norton, Matt Lucas, Stephen Fry and others. As you can see, many are some of Britain's most beloved "national treasures".

Recent "outings" of American stars have generated quite a lot of column space. Nobody would bat an eyelid over here.

I'm not saying it’s a heaven for homosexuals over here. As with any other large society, there are those in it who have either prejudice or have moral or ethical issues with homosexuality. And, yes, sadly violence raises its ugly head every now and then. But generally we're a lot more tolerant.

But I honestly don't see the "F" word as being that offensive – I can think of worse, a lot worse, to put it another way. Perhaps it's because we British commonly use the shortened version of the word a lot of the time over here as slang for a cigarette. It really trips of my tongue a lot in conversations, especially with or about people at work who are smokers. " "He's having a f—break" or "He's just popped out for a f—" for example.

I think more than the word, the actual context of the statement and the meaning behind it should be focused on more. After all, over here many gays do use the "F" word to describe themselves or others – on primetime TV too some of the time.

I guess its just a cultural thing.

[MadonnasManOne]

Now, I'm not causing trouble here. But I don't really see what's so wrong with the "F" word. Is it really that bad over in America?

Yes, it is different in America. The word carries a negative connotation. So, when someone uses the word, they are using it as a negative. It's a slur, and it isn't acceptable.

Isaiah Washington wasn't fired just for using that word, however. It has been widely reported by those on the set of Grey's Anatomy that he has been very difficult to work with. He is said to have a very quick, and even violent temper. The initial incident that set this whole thing off was when T.R. Knight arrived late to film a scene. Isaiah Washington admits that he became frustrated, and said, "Where is that little faggot. He needs to get his ass here, so we can this scene going." That statement upset both Patrick Dempsey and Katherine Heigl. Patrick Dempsey then said something to Isaiah Washington, to the effect that he didn't need to speak about T.R. Knight in that manner, and Isaiah Washington became enraged, and pushed Patrick Dempsey into a wall, and began to choke him. Yes, choke him. Then, after admitting that this all happened, Isaiah Washington later said, at the Golden Globes, "I didn't call T.R. Knight a faggot. Did not call him that." This, of course, was in a public forum, where the cast was celebrating their award win. Later, Isaiah Washington admitted, again, that he had said and done these things.

I am sure there is MUCH more behind the scenes, about his behavior, that we haven't heard. The main thing is that he is rude, hateful, and apparently has a violent temper. The cast and crew have attested to this, and, in my opinion, has put up with it far too long. He got what he deserved.

I will actually miss the character he played. If there is one thing that can be said about this cast, it is that they are great actors. Through it all, they haven't let these issues carry over onto the screen. However, what he has done wouldn't be tolerated in ANY work place. If it is, then I suggest anyone working in that kind of environment find a new job.

I also don't subscribe to the use of the word "faggot" between gay people. I have never called another gay person that word, and I wouldn't expect them to use that word to describe me. I would find it offensive, and I would make them aware of it. I must also say that I haven't encountered other gay people using that word between each other, so, I don't know where some people are getting their information that every gay person uses the word.

[PapiBear]

Calm down PapiBear. I'm not interested in picking a fight with you. I'm just stating that you're wrong: this situation has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with race. And you shouldn't be making any comparisons to it (it was dumb for you to even bring it up in the first place).

A Black man says something about a white man and gets fired for it and you seriously expect me to believe that race isn't a factor at all?

Do me a favor. Read this.

Let me clue you in on something. I don't need you to determine what I should and shouldn't be doing. Do you hear me dictating to you how you should think, speak, and act? Do you? No, you don't. And you know why that is? Because it's not for me to tell you how to think, act, or speak. Do something unexpected, like according me the same courtesy. Can you do that? Thanks.

Why does everything come back to race with you?

Anthony, here’s something you need to understand before engaging me in any debate:

Racism = Prejudice + Power

By definition, Blacks and other minorities cannot be racist because they do not have institutional, systemic power. The term Minority doesn’t even refer to a minority of numbers any more (after all, minorities outnumber whites in many places, now), but instead to a minority of power.

So, again: Racism = Prejudice + Power

Reverse racism does not exist. It just doesn’t.

I'm a Black man living in a white man's world. Race affects everything in my life. You wouldn't understand that, because you're white. And whites have the power in this country.

You probably wouldn't be commenting on this thread if this was about a white person.

You honestly believe that?

In the meantime, apparently apologizing to gays and trying to work things out with them isn't enough.

Please don't be foolish enough to believe that Isaiah felt bad about what he said, he just apologized because he knew his job was on the line. Are you really that naive?

I didn't address his sincerity at all. I don't know whether he sincerely regretted his comments or if he was just going through the motions to placate his employers. I just pointed out that he apologized for what he said, and was still in the process of making amends. Apparently, that's all for naught.

That's all I have to say on this topic. I'm not interested joining you in some stupid pointless argument about your opinions on gays, race or whatever other nonsense you have to say. Don't care. I'm sure no one else does either.

It's not fair! MOM!!!!!

[Disney-Fan]

A Black man says something about a white man and gets fired for it and you seriously expect me to believe that race isn't a factor at all?

Maybe it's just me but I thought the article was pretty clear on the reason for his being fired.

[PapiBear]

A Black man says something about a white man and gets fired for it and you seriously expect me to believe that race isn't a factor at all?

Maybe it's just me but I thought the article was pretty clear on the reason for his being fired.

So the article has all the facts and all the motivations and all the emotions and all the politics of every single individual involved in the decision, is that what you're telling me?

Does the article have a transcription of each and every conversation between network executives and the show's producers regarding the situation? Does it have a transcription of each and every cast conversation on the issue? Does it have every sentence ever uttered by Isaiah Washington, both onset and offset, during the show's production? If so, then if you could show me where I can find all those, I'd really appreciate it, because I can't see them in the article that was posted.