Grey’s Anatomy News

136 opinions for Isaiah Washington May Get Fired

• Brie
  Oct 20, 2006 at 2:45 pm

  Isaiah shouldn’t have treated his fellow cast members like that. I’m proud of Patrick for standing up for Knight, that makes me love him even more. Ever since that incident, everytime I watch Grey’s I look at Burke (Isaiah) and think what an A-hole! How the cast members act when they aren’t on the screen definitely plays a part in how they are viewed on the screen. Before this incident I actually liked Burke’s character, now I say kill him off and let’s someone in there with more respect for their fellow cast members and their lifestyle choices.

• JCW
  Oct 20, 2006 at 3:02 pm

  Although I think a firing could be avoided should Mr. Washington be contrite and make appropriate
  gestures to those he has hurt, who knows what else he’s been doing behind the scenes? If they’re
  considering firing him, there must be some pattern
  of offenses behind the scenes that we’ve never heard about. For one instance? It would seem unlikely.

• JCW
  Oct 20, 2006 at 3:15 pm

  If anyone should want to write ABC and either support or complain about Mr. Washington, cut and paste the below address into your browser and it will take you directly to the comment form for the network.

  http://abc.go.com/site/contactus.html

• Ms. Alicia Dempsey
  Oct 20, 2006 at 5:33 pm

  seriously he’s got to go!anyone like that doesn’t deserve to be on the show. by the way does anyone know what exactly Isaiah said about or to T.R. Knight??????? Anybody at all????

• JCW
  Oct 20, 2006 at 5:49 pm

  According to published reports (And NOT just the Enquirer) T.R. was running late to set, and Washington started in on him - Patrick Dempsey reportedly interceded telling Washington to “pick on somebody his own size”. Washington reportedly
  retorted with “I’m not your little faggot like (name excluded), and then he became physical with P.D. - that’s how the report goes, and there’s been no denial about what was said from Washington’s P.R. people.

• Greysrules921
  Oct 21, 2006 at 6:21 am

  I very upset that this has happened. On Oprah Isaiah was sweet, down to earth and proud of the equiality of the show and I respected him for this. But, just because TR was a little late to a taping, he had no right to say those things to him. And he didn’t even apologize! He’s begining to seem fake to me, his personality and I’m very dissaponted. But glad that Patrick stood up for TR.

• justin
  Oct 21, 2006 at 12:21 pm

  Isaih’s true colors have definitely come out here. He should be canned as quickly as the people in power can end his contract. I do have a new found respect for both T.R. and for Patrick in their integrity for standing up for what is right. Especially for Patrick in getting involved in a situation which he could have easily avoided if he was less of a man. Even during his best behaviour on Oprah, I thought that Isaiah came across as an egotistical oaf. The writer’s could bring in a new cardiothoracic surgeon….. how about an openly gay one to boot!!!

• beatrice
  Oct 22, 2006 at 10:24 am

  Maybe he made a mistake, we don’t really know the comment or what happened, but IW is a great actor, and if he is fired, I won’t watch ga anymore.

• Ally
  Oct 22, 2006 at 10:25 am

  Isaih does need to learn to control himself and act mature, but i dont think he should get fried. part of the acting world is working together on camera even if in real life personalities clash and people hate each other. he needs to stay because the show would be lost without him. however i do think he should be punished for his actions, but i dont know how.

• Davio
  Oct 22, 2006 at 3:51 pm

  Isaiah Washington “Dr. McNightmare” needs to be fired. No one should have to work with a violent, homophobic co-worker. I cannot and will not watch a show where I cannot respect one of the actors. Now all I’ll think about when watching this show is this asshole and the hell the other actors must have gone through working with him. There are plenty of non-violent actors that could do the part. This looks bad on the show and on ABC.

• JCW
  Oct 22, 2006 at 5:20 pm

  Well - as a gay man, of course I find Mr. Washington’s reputed comments objectionable, and I’m sure we all agree that violence towards a coworker is unacceptable behavior.

  However, I’ll say this; Everyone deserves a second chance so long as they are truly sorry for their words or actions - short of murder, of course. Mr. Washington’s failure to deny what he has been reported to have said does not look good in terms of his innocence. For my part, I would be satisfied with a public apology to his coworkers, a denouncement of hate speech and an insistance that he attend sensitivity training
  and anger management on ABCs part.

  We all make mistakes, and if we are willing to learn from them we all deserve a chance.

  If Mr. Washington feels justified in his actions and statements and is not remorseful, than indeed, he should be terminated immediately.

  If you feel strongly about this subject - one way or the other - then please use the link in my comment above to write ABC and tell them how you feel. I personally wrote and told them what I just told you. I’m not out for blood, but faggot is every bit as unacceptable as nigger and if Mr. Washington indeed used the word and does not regret it, then his time has come. Had Patrick Dempsey called Mr. Washington a nigger and it got out to the public there would be a national movement to have him fired…. How come so little
  reaction to Washington’s gay slur? Could it be that many in this country are sympathetic to his point of view?

  If so, shame on America. Hate is hate, no matter who it is directed towards….and it is ALWAYS wrong. You may dislike, you may disagree - but hate of your fellow human beings, and hate speech, is wrong.

  Period.

• Jenn
  Oct 22, 2006 at 5:21 pm

  THE SHOW JUST WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT HIM, IF HE GOES I GO… HE IS A GREAT ACTOR…AND PERSONALLY I HAVE A HARD TIME COMPREHENDING SUCH ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN BY HIM.

• JCW
  Oct 22, 2006 at 5:38 pm

  That’s the point. Mr. Washington is a professional
  actor - with professional P.R. people - either issue a denial, or issue an apology.

  Jenn - if it turns out this actually IS how he behaves, how would you feel?

  And if the gay slur does not concern you, would it make a difference if he referred to his female castmates as bitches and c**ts?

  Would you find that any more acceptable than faggot?

• Tina
  Oct 22, 2006 at 7:14 pm

  I disagree completely with most (not all) of these posts! First of all, who REALLY knows what exactly happened that day (or the days prior) between Washington, Knight, and Dempsey? How can you people sit back and judge the character of a man over some crap you read in some magazine or see on some All Access bullshit?! I mean really! Maybe there is more to this over dramatized story than the public knows.
  And to “fire” him from his job and try to replace or “get rid” of his character?!?! THAT’S RIDICULOUS! Who hasn’t had a disagreement, argument, fight, or quarrel of SOME SORT at work or with a co-worker on a bad day? Sucks for Washington his job has to be so publicized and people are constantly STALKING him just to judge.
  I think if any of Washington’s co-worker’s feel threatened the situation will be taken care of appropriately seeing as how they are the ones whose opinions really matter right now. As for people who feel the whole show is ruined for them because they just can’t watch Burke without thinking “what an ass” well, how about you people getting a life and staying out of the tabloids?! Especially if you’re going to be so naïve and ridiculously silly!

• Ingrid Diaz
  Oct 22, 2006 at 11:56 pm

  Personally, I’m still waiting to hear more “official” words on this before I make up my mind fully.

  I’m mostly just disappointed. All of this time I’ve actually really like I. Washington and his character, and I’d hate to see Dr. Burke go just because of the actor behind the role.

  That said, I. Washington calling T.R. a “fagggot” - if he indeed said that - is completely uncalled for. I can’t imagine T.R. being particularly comfortable with such things getting tossed at him by fellow cast members.

  And also, I hope that this whole spat didn’t lead to T.R. feeling like he had to out himself, because it must be hard enough at is it.

• Karine
  Oct 23, 2006 at 1:34 am

  While I. Washington’s personality shouldn’t have any bearing on his performance as an actor, specifically as Dr Burke, part of his job responsabilities should include a smooth and respectful relationship with his co-workers. Personally, if I insulted or threatened anyone I work with (not that I ever would) I would get my ass rightfully fired.

  In short, being gifted never gave anyone the right to behave like a jerk.

  I agree that we shouldn’t judge him on hearsay, but everything that’s filtering out so far is pretty much painting the same picture, so it’s really hard to imagine everybody would have ganged up on him to make him look bad. And the timing of TR Knight’s coming out - as if prompted by necessity due to the details of the incident coming to light - does not help. I’d love to blieve it was just a coincidence - I think there’s enough disrespect in the world without another gifted and full of himself actor trating others like crap.

• joe louis brown
  Oct 23, 2006 at 7:35 am

  I have admired Isaiah’s work for years. In just about all of the movies and TV shows that he has played in, from ‘Clocker’s’ to ‘Get On The Bus’ to Grey’s Anatomy, his characters have all had barely contained rage. I am inclined to believe that he is that way in real life. The best actors are so believable because they take what is inside of them and express themselves. Otherwise, they are only playing make-believe.

  I do believe that there is animosity between Isaiah and Patrick. It even comes across on the show. However, Isaiah could never be justified in placing his hands on a co-worker, his wife, or anyone else who is not threatening him in a physical manner. Likewise, he is never justified in using a homophobic slur against T.R. Knight, no more than if someone had used a racial slur against him. Isaiah needs to apology to EVERYONE, and his apology needs to be sincere.

  That having been said, I started watching Grey’s because of Isaiah and Shonda Rimes. I believe that Grey’s Anatomy is making history. There are too many shows that grossly under-represent blacks. I do not want to see Isaiah get fired. Let them continue to make history.

• Kim
  Oct 23, 2006 at 11:58 am

  If I went to work and acted like that I would expect to be fired. Although I do agree that too many shows do under-represent blacks, color of skin should not excuse someone for acting that way. If you want to behave in that manner, be prepared to accept the consequences. Seriously. My vote: Boris! Boris! Boris! If you don’t know who he is google him- he is amazing, and seems to be a good role model, a family man. Someone please think of the children. *Ok, children should be in bed, but at least think of the millions of women who wouldn’t mind the eyecandy!*

• boobaloob
  Oct 23, 2006 at 2:19 pm

  As of now, all of this information about Washington grabbing Dempsey’s throat and calling Knight a faggot is hearsay. There has been *no* confirmation of this from reputable sources. Life & Style? The National Enquirer? These magazines are *tabloids* who are known to make up and/or exaggerate stories about celebrities in order to sell magazines. Are you people really so gullible?

• JCW
  Oct 23, 2006 at 5:21 pm

  Gullible? Me?

  Booby, my dear fellow/girl, wake up and smell the litter box. Where’s the denial? Where’s the demand of a retraction by ANY of the units who have posted the report?

  Every action by camp Washington seem to indicate that reports are true. Until he makes a public statement otherwise, I think the preponderence of evidence runs against him.

  Once again, I am stunned by the insensitivity of the vast majority of Americans who think that a gay person being abused in the workplace is no big deal. It’s a serious charge no matter how many want to gloss it over…It deserves a serious answer on Mr. Washington’s part. If he’s innocent, he should say so.

  My guess he’s counting on the prejudice of the American public to make pretending the incident didn’t happen work for him.

  So far, he seems to be right.

  Sad.

• Bird
  Oct 23, 2006 at 9:23 pm

  Actors are people and people fight over stuff and im not saying what he did was a good thing but this shouldn’t cost him his job because he is a good actor. people make mistakes and he did. you should accept people as they are and hope they will change for the better.

• daphne
  Oct 24, 2006 at 12:20 am

  what exactly does running late mean? for all you know, he could’ve been making the others wait for an hour or so. that also is not fair as you expect professional co-workers to be on time when the shooting starts. for all you know, isaiah was waiting for over an hour or so or had to get up early for it, or was under the weather yet managed to make it on time.

  you need to get both sides and look at it from both angles. maybe PD doesn’t make a big issue out of punctuality, but IW does. don’t judge him immediately for it.

• JCW
  Oct 24, 2006 at 12:13 pm

  Well looks like I.W. will have an opportunity to address this issue himself on Wed. - He’s a guest on the Ellen Show - we’ll see what he has to say.

• ellie
  Oct 24, 2006 at 3:23 pm

  Come on, are you kidding? Actors are ACTING on screen - who gives a ** what they do offscreen? This actor isn’t the tough but kind Doctor Burke - he’s a human being who might very well be an ass. Or he could help old ladies cross streets and drive Meals on Wheels.

  The fact is, we don’t know. We only know the sensational news that makes it to the tabloids.

  All I care about is that he does his job. Does he act? Is he convincing? Good! Keep him.

• JCW
  Oct 24, 2006 at 4:32 pm

  Very good ellie - yes, indeed actors DO act for a living. They also seek publicity and are very often looked up to by their fan bases. This is why
  when something as inflamatory as what I.W. has been accused of saying becomes public, it should be addressed publically.

  Sorry it didn’t come from the Wall Street Journal or Time magazine, but I doubt seriously that the source actually matters much to you. Nor apparently do issues of verbal and physical assault in the workplace. You must live a charmed life - I envy you. Shame we all don’t have it so good.

  As I said before - clarification is in order now that the matter IS public - not looking to get anyone fired or demonize them, but the issue should be addressed.

• mj
  Oct 25, 2006 at 2:47 pm

  And I say good we don’t live in a society where people can’t make mistakes, because if we did there wouldn’t be anyone left on the planet. Move on…

• JCW
  Oct 25, 2006 at 5:26 pm

  Geez mj, one begins to think that you find no reason to object to someone being physically attacked or called a faggot in the workplace.

  Yes, people are allowed to make mistakes, and hopefully they learn from them.

  Again - sorry you find the issue so irritating -
  but when public figures say and do things that are offensive, and it becomes public knowledge, it deserves to be addressed.

• ellie
  Oct 26, 2006 at 5:09 am

  I do care about verbal and physical assault in the workplace, and if he did break a law, he should be charged. If he violated his contract he should be fired. Whether the issue was that he made remarks about gays, women, or Ethiopians should not matter.

  What I don’t believe is that actors should have yet another level of accountability beyond ordinary citizens - unless the CHOOSE to take this extra accountability upon themselves.

  Fans will respond by not watching actors they object to, as is their right. A public apology is IW’s choice, and the public’s actions of supporting him by watching his acting or objecting by not watching is each of their choices.

• Starr
  Oct 26, 2006 at 3:11 pm

  Come on people…You are ready to destroy this man’s entire career because of one incident?? It’s hard enough for black people in Hollywood to grow but get fired from something like this? I don’t see anyone pulling Mel Gibson’s films or or firing any white people causing a scene. Get real here!!

• JCW
  Oct 26, 2006 at 4:20 pm

  Starr - I am not among the people who would like to see I.W. fired or his career ruined. It is indeed hard for black people in Hollywood to build careers. It’s even harder for openly gay people. That’s what makes I.W.’s language and insensitivity all the more startling. When a member of one minority group holds a prejudice against a member of another, it’s just wrong and sad. Who should know better what it means to be marginalized, stereotyped and verbally abused than an African American male?

  All I had hoped for was that he would have taken the opportunity to publically denounce hate speech - of ALL varieties. Not only would it have been a healing thing to do, he would have come out looking like a big man.

  As it stands, the impression I get is that he’s not sorry for what he said so much as he is sorry it became public and he had to address it.

  We all have prejudices to overcome - it’s part of life’s journey. In confronting his a little more explicitly he could have done a lot of good - I think it was a wasted opportunity to make something good out of a bad situation.

• Stephanie
  Oct 27, 2006 at 12:48 pm

  Ok, so I’ve just read most of these posts and I totally agree with you JCW. I think that he should apologize for what he said. As to them just acting on screen and nobody should care what they do off screen is total BS. If Mr. Knight or Mr. Dempsey feel at all like they can’t be around Mr. Washinton then he should be fired. You can’t work in a hostile environment. That’s all there is to it and his remarks were definately hostile. Yes, true, I don’t know the whole story and no-one ever will unless they were there but if what all the reports of the incident are true, then something definately needs to happen.

  I think that Mr. Washington is a great actor and I hope to see him in other things, but if he does get fired I will continue to watch Grey’s Anatomy because it is an excellent show and it doesn’t just revolve around Burke’s charachter.

  I would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to T.R. Knight for coming out to the world. That takes a lot of courage. I would also like to say Thank You to Patrick Dempsey for sticking up for T.R.. He didn’t have to but he did it anyway.

• JCW
  Oct 27, 2006 at 2:57 pm

  Thanks Steph! You’re a good egg. If the other actors are OK with him, I see no reason why he should be fired - I just wish he’d taken that extra step and done the right thing.

• Shari
  Oct 29, 2006 at 5:53 pm

  Although I do not agree with some of your earlier posts, JCW, I do agree with your last one. I see no reason why he should be fired. Not one of us knows what went on between Patrick Dempsey and Isaiah Washington that caused the altercation. We do not know what provoked the outburst. What we do know, by now, is that the people closest to the situation do not believe that it warrants the loss of Isaiah Washington to this show.
  He did not make a hate speech. Why should he apologize for all hate speeches? I don’t think that you can be an actor and not have many friends and colleagues who are gay. I don’t believe for a minute that Isaiah Washington is a gay basher or gay hater.
  May I stress that Isaiah Washington did not call anyone a faggot. As I understand it, he told Patrick Dempsey that he, Isaiah, was not Patrick’s faggot. T.R.Knight was not even on the set at the time. I believe he meant this to say, he was not going to be lead around by the nose by super star Dempsey or bow down to his whims. It is unfortunate that he referenced T.R. when he used the term faggot, if he did. There seems to be some differences in the story where that is concerned.
  Do I think he should have made this statement? No, of course not. But things are said in anger that don’t come from either the heart or head and which we immediately regret. I have not doubt that Isaiah Washington is deeply sorry for his words and actions and believe him when he says he has the deepest respect for his co-workers. I have no reason to believe differently.
  My problem with this whole line of conversation is that we are so ready to believe the worst in people. Isaiah Washington was in four of Spike Lee’s films. Do you really think he would be rehired time and time again if he were difficult to work with? If you listen to the actors, writers, directors who do the commentary on the DVDs talk, they give high praise to Isaiah and his portrayal of Preston Burke, but also of his personal characteristics like his talent, humor and work ethic.
  He has an impressive list of accomplishments both on the screen and in his personal life including working for the economic recovery of Sierra Leone, helping underprivleged boys stay out of trouble, and supporting efforts for narcolepsy research. He is using his celebrity for positive things.
  I would hope that we could at least allow for a little bit of doubt that everything we are reading is completely accurate or allow for the fact that we may not know the whole story. I am 100% in the camp of not firing Isaiah Washington and letting this die down so that they can get back to the business of giving us one of the best shows on television.

• JCW
  Oct 30, 2006 at 9:39 am

  Shari - you are too eager to put forth the idea that calling someone a faggot, or REFERRING publically to a coworker as a faggot is not hate speech.

  I appreciate where you’re coming from on a certain level, but I do not think you fully understand what hate speech is and it’s reprecussions. You’ve done everything to make light of what happened and paint I.W. in a positive light except state he sprouted wings and flew up to Heaven to seek forgiveness from God one-on-one.

  Mr. Washington may indeed be a very fine man with a lot of good character traits, but his attitiude towards gays is not one of them.

• joe louis brown
  Oct 30, 2006 at 9:58 am

  It would be good if this whole matter would just blow over. By all accounts, the actors and actresses have moved on. Shonda has made it clear that she has no intentions of firing Isaiah, and I think that’s great. Isaiah has issued a written apology. That should be enough. Unfortunately, an apology is not enough for many people. They want nothing less than a pound of flesh. Nobody’s perfect. Isaiah should not have to apologize for all hate speech made. That is just plain ridiculous.

  Last Friday I saw “The Departed”. It’s a fine movie, but it is yet another Martin Scorcese movie where he uses the “n” word freely, and subtly expresses his disdain for black people (he does likewise in “Gangs of New York” and “The Aviator”). That did not keep me from enjoying the performances of Jack Nicholson and Leo DiCapprio.

  Let’s grow up. Grey rules.

• JCW
  Oct 30, 2006 at 4:19 pm

  Having not seen The Departed or the other Scorcese
  films you referenced, it would be hard for me to compare them to the Grey’s blow-up.

  Perhaps Scorcese has an issue? I don’t know. If you feel the film maker has a genuine issue with African Americans, perhaps you should boycott his films, or join in online discussions of the matter.

  However, there is a very big difference between showing a bigoted character on film, and behaving
  as a bigot in real life. I never called for I.W. to answer for all hate speech made - just to address his own. He apologized, the cast is not objecting and that’s just fine.

  I just feel that as a member of a persecuted minority himself, I.W. missed a chance to show some genuine sensitivity and speak out on the issue - thus making something good out of a bad situation.

  I’m sorry, but anybody who doesn’t get that is just beyond me.

• Shari
  Nov 16, 2006 at 9:41 pm

  Hi again, JCW. I guess I am just beyond you because I honestly think the absolute best thing that Isaiah could have done is apologize both in person and publically, which he did, and then move on, get past it, and let all of the ugliness that suddenly came out of the woodwork about him fade away. I do not respect people who say nothing for years and then when someone is on fire decide to throw a few more logs on the flames by coming forward with their inflamatory statements. I love Isaiah Washington’s portrayal of Preston Burke. I love the chemistry he has with Sandra Oh’s character of Cristina Yang. I respect him as an actor but think that much of what an actor brings to the role comes from within themselves. I love this character, so I support this actor. I don’t know any of these people personally, but I have seen tapes of award shows where they all seem to be good friends and close castmates. All of them, including Isaiah, so I don’t believe the gossip magazines that seem to indicate that he has no friends on the set. I saw T.R. Knight, Justin Chambers, Katie Heigle, Jim Pickens, Jr., Chondra Wilson, and Sandra Oh all thrilled for Isaiah Washington when he won the NAACP Image award. Both Heigl and Oh giving him huge hugs. Oh practically in tears. I heard many of them including the director and creator of the show discuss Isaiah Washington in the commentary on the DVDs with admiration and appreciation of all he brings to this role. I don’t believe the media hype (US) about how he doesn’t go to charity events, because I have seen tapes of him at charity events. Why is it so easy to trash people with very little information to go on. You have been fair in some of your posts. I believe you simply wanted him to be more apologetic to gays in general, but to do that he would have had to admit that he meant his comment as a slam against gays. I don’t think that was his meaning. A bad choice of word said in anger, not a hate speech. I hope we can agree to disagree.

• joe louis brown
  Nov 20, 2006 at 10:19 am

  I wasn’t going to respond to JCW’s last comment, but Shari took the words right out of my mouth. Did anyone see the cast on Oprah last Friday? Wow. Clearly they have moved on.

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• Chris
  Jan 18, 2007 at 2:40 pm

  I’m sorry, but after that comment at the Golden Globes, I would say fire him. The entire episode was bad enough, but to re-fuel the fire by making that comment at the Golden Globes was to much. Obvioulsy no one thought that was funny. It was very distasteful, unprofessional, and just down right obnoxious. He needs to go. I will never watch the show again if they allow him to stay.

• JCW
  Jan 18, 2007 at 5:21 pm

  Well Shari and Joe Lewis Brown - Regarding your comments from last Nov. -

  It would appear that all has NOT been good behind the scenes judging from Mr. Washington’s retraction of his apology at Monday’s Golden Globes. I would certainly be interested in hearing what you make of things now?

  If you’re willing to stand up for Washington when he calls people faggots, are you also willing to stand up for him when he lies and says it never happened?

  I commend you both for trying to stay open minded, but perhaps you were just a little to willing to believe that Mr. Washington is not causing strife behind the scenes.

  Sometimes you run into people who just aren’t very nice. Sometimes, they’re downright nasty. This “let’s put it all behind us and just enjoy the show” attitude you both exhibited a couple of months back shows a lack of social conscience.

  I imagine that if either of YOU worked with him and had been his target, you’d feel quite differently.

• Vanessa
  Jan 19, 2007 at 10:43 am

  Let Isaiah Washington stay. If he goes to anger management and works on his issues, he should be given a second chance.

• joseph herron
  Jan 19, 2007 at 10:52 am

  If any racial slur was used to him on the show, was later denied and used again, we would not be having to discuss if someone should be fired. They would have been fired the first time.

• Vanessa
  Jan 19, 2007 at 3:25 pm

  How do we know what was said to Isaiah? Isn’t it possible that someone said something nasty to him to make him get so upset that he said what he should not have said?

• JCW
  Jan 19, 2007 at 4:13 pm

  Right Vanessa -
  Had someone said anything to Isaiah that was as nasty as the slur he made towards T.R. - you honestly don’t think that would have come out by now?

  And do you suppose someone said something nasty to him at the Golden Globes to make him retract his original
  apology and drop the “F” word again?

  Do you think that if this was all due to someone else harrassing HIM in the work place that he would not have gone public instead of issuing that first, lame apology?

  Evidence suggests that you are grasping at straws.

• REX
  Jan 20, 2007 at 6:50 am

  ISAIAH WASHINGTON SHOULD BE FIRED. I AM A BIG GREYS ANATOMY FAN, AND I DONT WANT HIS CHARACTER ON THE SHOW ANYMORE. STAND UP FOR TREATING PEOPLE AS EQUALS AND DISMISS WASHINGTON

• Hal
  Jan 20, 2007 at 5:40 pm

  Simple fact…if Knight had used the “N” word on the set of Grey’s Anatomy in October we wouldn’t be discussing this almost 4 months after the initial incident because Shondra Rimes and the rest of the bigwigs at ABC would have fired Knight’s ass before the ink dried on the story. Then, to top it off, Washington uses the word “Faggot” AGAIN on the Golden Globes to emphasize his point that he emphatically denies ever having said it in the first place. I applaud Knight for going on the Ellen DeGeneres show (more than likely against the wishes of Rimes and the folks at ABC) and disputing Washington’s claim of never having used the derogatory word. Washington probably figured that no one was going to call him on this lie and that eventually he’d come off as the wronged party when all was said and done. His belief was probably bolstered by the fact that everyone connected to Grey’s Anatomy kept silent after the first incident and tried to squelch it internally for the good of the show and to allow the cast and crew to move on and let the wounds heal. I’m glad Knight had the courage and conviction to call him on his blatant lie on national television.

  In our society calling someone a Faggot is seen as offensive but a forgivable action. I’m a Gay man and I can tell you that being called the “F” word angers and enrages me I’m sure just as much as being called the “N” word infuriates and enrages African-Americans!! I would implore the powers that be at ABC to rid themselves of Washington, a cancerous presence on the show, to prove that bigotry in any shape, verbiage or form is not tolerated!!

• Ria
  Jan 21, 2007 at 10:08 pm

  DO NOT FIRE Isaiah Washington I am a Black woman living in the south. I am outraged that the “f” word is being compared to the word “nigger” The “N” represents 400+ years of slavery, racism. Isaiah does need to sit down and talk his issues out with TR. I am all for gay rights but I am sick of gays comparing there struggles to the African Amercians.
  WHERE ARE THE FIRE ANTHONY MICHEAL HALL or MICHEAL RICHARDS for saying the “N” word. We look over that cause they white.
  Question: IF a white man had called TR a Faggot what would you compare it to or would it have just been over looked??????? Issue is because it was a black man all you Rasist people won’t to write in. My grandmother is 75 years old she can tell you storys about her life that would make angels cry. So don’t keep comparing the word faggot to nigger they are just not equal

• Ria
  Jan 21, 2007 at 10:30 pm

  Do not fire Isiah Washington!!!!
  His character is used on the show anyway. Where is his sexy nick name No McDreamy or McSteamy for him. The whites or being promoted more that him. He has the same position as Patrick D.
  What about Patrick D. being late to work. I feel he is using this as a reason to leave the show and do movies, with his bad acting and what uses to be washed up career.
  They all can work though this issue together and be stronger than ever as a cast.
  To hear Anthony Micheal Hall or Micheal Richards say the “N” word go to TMZ.com

• JCW
  Jan 21, 2007 at 11:42 pm

  Ria - you are being counter-racist.

  Sure - as a black woman - particularly one in the South, I know that you still live with racism every day - I hear about it from my sister in TN. It’s ongoing, and I suppose it’s enough to
  make anyone bitter.

  However, that does NOT justify Isaiah’s words.

  You are SO wrong in implying that people would not be up in arms had this slur been uttered by a white man. I’ve hated Mel Gibson for YEARS because he’s a homophobe, and no one gave a shit about what he said about gays. Then he goes and gets anti-semetic, and it’s big news.

  Ria - When a gay man gets beaten - or beaten and killed - it’s a sure bet that he’s hearing the word “faggot” while it’s happening. And if you are unaware as to exactly how often that happens in this country I suggest you Google “gay hate crimes” and educate yourself.

  And yet you don’t see how that compares to “nigger”? Trust me lady - the names they call us may have changed over 400 years, but the abuse we have suffered has remained consistent. How small minded of you not to recognize that fact.

  I was as appalled as anyone by the Richards and Hall episodes - I was also appalled by the Andy Dick episode which you fail to mention.

  Injustice towards one leaves the door open for injustice towards all.

  Sister - we’re in the same friggin boat, like it or not. Maybe it’s time you looked at who’s rowing beside you and decide to work together for the good of all.

• joe louis brown
  Jan 22, 2007 at 8:40 am

  JCW, You think that we’re in the same friggin boat? You think that you are rowing beside us? Where was the support of gays for blacks during the Civil Rights Movement? Where are the support of gays now? Gays are using the constitutional arguments raised by blacks, and reaping the benefits. We are not in the same boat. Hardly.

• JCW
  Jan 22, 2007 at 10:54 am

  Among the people bussed in to the South
  to support the civil rights demonstrations were a lot of early “out” gay people - just for the record.

  Make no mistake Mr. Brown, we are indeed in the same boat. Sadly, it seems you have not learned a lot from history as you would insist that the gays sit in the BACK of the boat…..

  Just because one group’s minority status
  is defined by an exterior trait and another’s by an interior trait doesn’t justify standing up for equal rights for one group and not the other.

  It seems pretty obvious from your attitude that were the shoe on the other foot and the slur was the “N” word directed at Mr. Washington from Mr. Knight, that you’d be singing a different tune.

• JCW
  Jan 22, 2007 at 12:54 pm

  Oh, and one more thing Mr. Brown, I’d like to share a quote with you;

  “I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice,” she said. “But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King, Jr., said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ … I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream to make room at the table of brotherhood and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people.”

  That’s from the Great Lady Herself, Coretta Scott King.

  Perhaps you don’t see us all as being in the same boat, but the founders of the modern civil rights movement did.

• Mike Hansen
  Jan 22, 2007 at 1:32 pm

  Why in the world are Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton not responding with the same vigor and righteousness as they did with Michael Richards?

• Lydia
  Jan 22, 2007 at 4:47 pm

  i agree with (i think it was John Mayer) who said maybe instead of getting fired, he should play Dr. Burke as gay.

• Bernadette Barrett
  Jan 22, 2007 at 5:10 pm

  I think Isaiah Washington should be fired, especially since there is a clause in his contract for such a thing.
  If the roles were reversed, and it was racial, you can bet Isaiah would have T.R.fired. You can just tell he is that type of person, he would not stop until T.R. was fired.
  And how sincere is his apology, if he first denied it for so long. So, first you lie about it and then you say you are sincerely sorry. PLease, this is an excuse on the Networks park, just so that they don’t have to fire him. Also, he had to ruin a night for T.R. that should have been one of the happiest for him. Can’t get that night back again. Isaiah, is a mean, spirited individual, who has nothing but a long,tough road ahead of him. Get rid of him, he is ruining the show now.
  Well, I tried to watch it this past week, and every time I saw Isaiah, I was very annoyed, so I had to turn it off. I will not watch it again as long as Isaiah is on it.
  I am not gay, I am a straight 60 year old grandmother. I believe this behavior has just got to stop now. What kind of example are we setting for the next generation, if we ignore this.
  I hope you will fire him and right away, so I can go back to watching Grey’s Anatomy.

• JCW
  Jan 22, 2007 at 5:37 pm

  This afternoon Mr. Washington met with gay leaders and pledged his support to help educate the public about the dangers posed by name calling.

  The leaders involved indicate that they believe he sincerely wants to make amends.

  I’ll admit to having my doubts about Mr. Washington’s sincerity following his performance backstage at the Golden Globes, nonetheless I feel sure that this will be enough to appease his employers at Grey’s and ABC.

  It’s a shame Shonda chose not to publically condemn what happened, but I guess that’s showbiz.

  Prediction? This will now pass. Will it
  come up a third time? Only time will tell. I will say that if Washington is TRULY remorseful, and not just trying to save his ass, that some good may come out of this whole fiasco in the long run.

  I will also say that for Mr. Washington’s sake I hope that some anger management classes are a condition of his continued employment.

  I’ve gone back and forth since this started - Fire him? Don’t fire him?

  In the end - if Mr. Washington, as an individual human being, has REALLY learned something from all this, and helps to educate others, then I have no problem with his continued employment.

  Now I hope he just shows us all that he is, indeed, sincere.

• Ria
  Jan 22, 2007 at 7:18 pm

  JCW- I am very educated on gay hate crimes, are you educated on the struggles of Arican Americans. Trust me Gentleman I don’t think you are. My people have struggle for hundreds of years and still we struggle. I vote for gay rights I support gay marriage and gays having and adopting kids.
  When you struggle for Hundreds of years them you compare the “F” word to the “N” word. For every gay hate crime there have been 10,000 beatings and killings of African Americans if not more. There are crimes that we don’t even know about. Graves that are un marked.
  Mel Gibson will still have his movie deals, Anthony Micheal Hall will still have his show and Micheal Richards will no doubt have a come back from all that.
  That backs my statement that if a white man had said it there would be no firing him. He would just say he was sorry and we would let it go. So Brother we are not in the same friggin boat. These people being white were (andy dick) never going to be fired. That never came up.
  *For all the people saying bad things about Shonda lets say bad things about Mel, Anthony, Michael, and Andy’s bosses oh no we can’t say anything about Hollywood and big time rich white movie and show creators!!! Shonda should stand by the whole cast.
  Kathrine H. needs to shut-up and get her teeth fixed she is just trying to get more camera time, and her guess spot on a talk show or a movie deal. I don’t beleive she cares about TR Knight at all she is fake.
  Thank-you Mr Brown

  **While we are spending time dealing with Isiah, MEL, Micheal, Anthony, and Andy we are not dicussing the real evil. President BUSH
  Thousands of people Gay, Straight, Black, white, hispanic, man and woman are dying for nothing. I know that he is happy something takes the focus of his Sorry Ass.

• JCW
  Jan 22, 2007 at 9:54 pm

  Like I said above, Ria, you are being counter racist. To you, it’a all about the color of the man who said the slur, and you equate that with hundreds
  of years of suffering on the part of all black people.

  I believe that your heart may be in the right place, but your anger towards the white establishment seems to over
  rule your view of the subject at hand.

  Please don’t preach to me about
  the “hundreds of years” “your people” have had to struggle. For one thing, my Irish ancestors were not slaves, but they were still treated like shit as immigrants to this country.

  For another, some of those people you lay claim to as your own, were not only black and slaves, but were gay and lesbian as well. You think you got it bad? God forbid either of us should have had to walk a mile in those people’s shoes.

  This is NOT a black or white issue, it is simply an issue of right and wrong.

  As I mentioned earlier Ria, I have a sister who lives in TN, and I am shocked by the degree of racism that still exists in the South. I am also shocked that the media does not report more on it. Yes, I am indeed aware of the history of black people in this country. Yes, I am aware that the struggle for equal opportunity continues.

  What I am NOT aware of is any dictate that states that one group’s struggle for rights and equality supercedes another’s.

• Ria
  Jan 22, 2007 at 11:22 pm

  JCW Okay your Irish ancestors were treated bad but they had a choose in coming here. They had the chance to make money and own slaves they still were treated better than blacks on any day. The best you can come at me with is your ancestors were treated like shit. Come on, Come on. Like I said you don’t even know what you are talking about with counter racists. My issue was if Patrick had said it to TR. TR would have let it go and just talked about it to Patrick alone. I think that because Isaiah is Black they won’t to make an example of him.
  I am sorry JCW I just don’t think that you are understanding my point of view. So just try to see it from another point for a second.
  Are you TR Knight?
  Please stop Judging everyone. Who does not agree with you.
  I have seen your other comment.
  Again Isaiah was not treated as an equal on the show from the beginning were I ask was his sexy nickname no Mcdreamy or Mcstreamy for him. I am not making this a black or white issue the world has already made it that. I see the world for what it is and its not pretty….

• Denise
  Jan 22, 2007 at 11:53 pm

  I really find this silly. It seems as if this happened the way it is being reported the Isiah is not the one to blame for it getting out. from all accounts he has been really quiet about the whole thing so who reported the comment, who made public the fact that his co-worker was gay? Hmmm? If he made the comment he should apologize to the person whom he made the comment to. As for the issue with Dempsey well it is interesting that no one is even considering that he instigated the argument by confronting his co-worker who very well could have just been venting. Violence seems un-likely simply because federal guidelines are very clear what actions are to be taken given physycal contact in the work place. This reminds me of a similar incident a few years ago with a basketball player named spreewell who attacked his coach. from all accounts spreewell had be verbally abused by his coach in front of other players, and by himself. Many of you felt spreewell was wrong but never took into account how easy it is to become victim to undue outside pressure. Spreewell paid dearly for his actions but his coach was excused from any responsibility? If Washington made these comments he was wrong, yet I still conclude that Dempsey has some apologizing to do as well. Do we even know what he said? Was he really defending a fellow co-worker or pushing the buttons of a co-worker with whom he has a personality conflict? Why are we not asking these questions? I have been in management for many years and these issues are rarely as simple as most of you wish to make this out to be.

• Kevin
  Jan 24, 2007 at 12:56 am

  Denise, what a crock of BS! It comes down to this: Washington referred to Knight as a “f***ot” last October. He got onstage to tell the world that he had never said it (a boldfaced lie) and in the process used the word AGAIN.

  That’s all there is to it. Who cares about personality conflicts, outside pressures and all of that apologist nonsense you’re trying to sell? Face it, if one of your employees marched into your office and called you a “stupid c**t” to your face, you’d FIRE him. And you wouldn’t think twice about doing so.

  Washington is a hateful bigot and he needs to be fired. End of story.

• JCW
  Jan 24, 2007 at 1:51 am

  Thank you Kevin. Aside from the apologist crap you refer to, there have also been a lot of people objecting that the use of the “F” word is not as bad as the use of the “N” word.

  Bull Hockey.

  Based on their feelings, they want to say that what Isaiah did wasn’t bad compared to a white person using the “N” word towards a black man.

  Hmmm…

  I think every half-assed thinking person who reads this knows that Dempsey or Knight would no longer be employed had they directed the “N” word towards Washington, yet these people want to act like nothing happened.

  I’m not saying fire him - but for Heaven’s sake, where’s the outrage?

  He slurred someone, apologized for it, took it back three months later by denying the incident….how do you take yourself seriously when you stand up for a man who behaves like that?

  There is such a double standard at work here - and it’s not black vs. white. It’s straight vs. gay - and even people who think they are open minded are showing their bigotry.

• Denise
  Jan 24, 2007 at 8:01 am

  Kevin and JCw, as I explained before I have been in management for years, having said that I have been called many things to my face by co-workers and employees including stupid c**t,N***er,B***h,and more behind my back,I have never fired anyone for calling me names, I have wanted to mind you but have not as of yet done so. Most of these incidents are the result of personal issues and or personal failure of the commenting party. I have required many employees to seek help based on company guidlines to continue their employment and those that I have fired have many more issues than a nasty comment made to me or another co-worker. JCW I am sick to death of your attempting to put words in my mouth! I have never implied that the F word is less hurtful them the N word. Although being a N word myself and not an F word I will admit being called a F will have less impact on me personally then the N word. You really should stop insisting you have any idea what it is like to be BLACK in this country! Especially a BLACK MAN! You do not know, you will NEVER know! Being called a N****r is the least of the issues that they face.

• Denise
  Jan 24, 2007 at 8:20 am

  In this country EVERYTHING is BLACK & WHITE! As for Al Sharpton “I am not a fan of his by the way” and the like well their concerns are about BLACK people, period! Last I recall this was a FREE country “at least for some of us!” and they are entitled to choose? which issues they want to involve themselves in. I don’t see that they had much comment about Washington’s job security either. Washington was wrong for the comment but if I recall from all accounts he never actually CALLED anyone a F****t, his comment was that he would not be one! Homophobic? Probably, grounds for termination? Give me a break! If I fired everyone who called me a name I wouldn’t have an employee left! People do not have to accept you period! yes it hurts when someone bases their dislike of you based on superficial things “like skin color,weight,height,ethic background, religion,etc but it is their right! Do they have the right to physically or psychology, harm you because of it? Absolutly not. But close your eyes and imagine this you are being rediculed for being gay,called names such as F****t,etc, now imagine the put the word N****r in front of it.

• JCW
  Jan 24, 2007 at 11:05 am

  Denise - I have never “put words in your mouth”, in fact, I have never addressed you up until now.

  As a manager,if you choose not to fire employees who call you racist or sexist names, that is your choice. If you choose not to fire employees who treat OTHER employees in this manner, then you are condoning harassment in the workplace and not only is it wrong, but depending on what state you live in, may be illegal as well.

  Hate is hate, injustice is injustice.
  Hate speech does not come in degrees
  as in “It’s bad to slur a gay person,
  worse to slur an Asian person, and absolutely unforgivable to slur a Black person”.

  I love your attempt to minimize this incident by saying that Washington never called anyone the”F” word, he just said he would not be one.

  In fact the reported phrase was “I’m not your little faggot like T.R.” It was stated in front of cast, crew and within T.R.’s earshot. I believe that constitutes calling T.R. the “F” word.

  No Denise, I do not know what it is like to be Black - never said I did. What I said was that we are all in the same boat - meaning ALL people who are fighting for equal rights and fair treatment in this society.

  What I have found disturbing on this board is how many Black people have wanted to make sure there is a clear dividing line between THEIR fight for rights and the gay community’s fight for rights.

  As to how bad it is for Blacks in this country, I will not argue the point. Yep, there’s a whole lot of prejudice
  out there to this day. However I will say that Blacks are far ahead of gays in terms of equality. Last time I checked I believe you have the right to legally marry - us gay folks are still “jumping the broom”.

  The only reason race has EVER come up in discussing the Grey’s issue is because of people who are just ignorant and want to refer to Isaiah as the “N” word here, and equally ignorant people intent on trying to make the point that it’s much worse to be called the “N” word than the “F” word.

  All hate speech is hurtful and wrong, period. Again, Predjudice and hate are wrong, and they DO NOT come in “DEGREES” of “WRONGNESS”.

• treesey
  Jan 25, 2007 at 7:48 pm

  Hypocrites!!!!!! Spare me the public outcry for Isaiah’s firing. Gay people need to get over it like the media told african americans to when the whole Michael KKKramer Richards went on his racist tangent.

  Where is the freaking outcry for Shirley Q Liquor MINSTRIL SHOW? amp my ass. That is A MINSTREL SHOW IN 2007!! Gay white people, yeah, I said it, are HYPOCRITES!!

  WHen Michael Richards went on his racist tirade, african americans were told to “GET OVER IT”. When Andy Dick mocks the same act, african americans are told to GET OVER IT!

  I am sick and tired of gay white people trying to piggyback on the civil rights movement. It’s all about priviledge. No gays were ever enslaved for 400 years, watched loved ones get dragged, beaten, and lynched, lived in a racist and oppressive system known as Jim Crow, so don’t give me that, this isn’t a BLACK OR WHITE ISSUE! IT MOST CERTAINLY IS!

  Where is the freaking outrage over the reporter who taunted Mr. Washington with the question? Oh I get it, there goes that white priviledge again. HYPOCRITES!

  What about the drunk Real World Denver cast member who used the “N” word towards the black roommate? WHERE IS THE FYCKING OUTRAGE? HYPOCRITES.

  I don’t condone discrimination, but i do know byllshyt when I see it and the gay outrage is full of it.

  NOTHING BUT A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES. I TELL YOU RIGHT NOW TO MY DYING DAY THAT BEING CALLED A “N” WORD WILL NEVER, EVER, EVER EQUATE TO BEING CALLED A “F” WORD. I DON’T USE DEROGATORY TERMS LIKE THAT.

• JCW
  Jan 26, 2007 at 10:01 am

  Treesey,

  Off base on at least two counts.

  1) “Where is the freaking outrage over the reporter who taunted Mr. Washington with the question? Oh I get it, there goes that white priviledge again. HYPOCRITES!”

  The incident occurred back stage at the Golden Globes in the press room where entertainment reporters get their opportunity to question the new winners. Ted Casablanca asked the cast in general if everything was now back to normal following the October incident. Shanda Rhimes prepared to answer when Washington took over the mike and went into his tirade.

  Mr. Casablanca did not bring up the “F” word, and he did not “taunt” Mr. Washington.

  2) “I am sick and tired of gay white people trying to piggyback on the civil rights movement. It’s all about priviledge. No gays were ever enslaved for 400 years, watched loved ones get dragged, beaten, and lynched, lived in a racist and oppressive system known as Jim Crow, so don’t give me that, this isn’t a BLACK OR WHITE ISSUE! IT MOST CERTAINLY IS!”

  I will repeat my earlier statement, this is about bigotry and hate speech in the workplace. It is NOT a race issue. No gays were enslaved for 400 years? Are wou willfully ignorant, or do you come by this naturally? Of COURSE there were gays and lesbians numbered among the thousands who were enslaved - and they had it twice as bad.

  As to slavery in general, it’s worth noting that many of the original slaves were sold into slavery by other black people from warring tribes who had taken them prisoner. Check your history books.

  In my time, not only have I experienced being attacked for being gay, I have had more than a few friends get verbally abused, beaten, and discriminated against in the work place.
  Of course, Matthew Sheppard is just one of the more famous incidents - beaten, stripped and lashed to a fence in the freezing cold to die. If you Google gay hate crimes, perhaps you can enlighten yourself on this subject.

  And finally, gays have not “piggybacked”
  on the civil rights movement, they have been involved from the very beginning.
  Black AND white gays and lesbians. Let me remind you that we were invited to the table by the founders of the movement themselves:

  “I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice,” she said. “But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King, Jr., said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ … I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream to make room at the table of brotherhood and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people.”

  Coretta Scott King

  I repeat, this issue is about the use of an anti-gay slur against one member of the Grey’s cast by another. It is NOT about race, and this really isn’t a blog dedicated to the subject of race relations. I understand the feelings of many of you who would like to turn this into a racial issue, but I’m sorry, it’s really not appropriate, or even on topic.

• Denise
  Jan 26, 2007 at 11:28 am

  Ok I have had enough! JCW thanks for the HIS-tory lesson! Since you wish to go that vein then let’s tell the WHOLE truth about Slavery in Africa! Like the European tradition Slavery in Africa was akin to indentured servitude! In other words when one group ” Tribe is considered derogatory these days” lost a battle to another then those prisonors that were taken were committed to doing what is considered womens work until they eventually became full members of the group! Hardly the same thing as the American tradition! I am sure since you are so politically correct you would agree! Since the only people who can escape their ethnic backgrounds in this country are white it is important to note that this incident does indeed involve a black man and the sense of outrage “as usual” seems to be out of proportion with the offense! I still see no comment from you in reference to Mr. Charles Knipp. I wonder why? From all accounts a public figure, openly gay entertainer, who makes a living by perpetuating the most disgustingly, offensive, stereotypes, of African Americans he can possibly come up with! This Man actually dresses up in BLACK FACE! What the HELL is that?!? Once again Isiah Washington DID NOT CALL ANYONE A F****T! He said he wasn’t going to be one! When they say it on Will & Grace, or Queer as Folk, etc. it’s funny? but THE WHITE MALE GAY community wishes to crucify this man? Give me a break! I have had enough of WHITE people male,female, straight, or GAY attempting to equate their struggles as immigrants, to the plight of African Slaves in this country! Immigrant implies a voluntary situation, Slavery in America for Africans was not voluntary! Irish immigrantas could come here and lose their accent change their name and become what ever they wished to be! Not so for Africans 250 years ago and not so today! My BROTHER IS GAY! And you know what? with his Cornell, BA, MA, and his Georgetown PHD. he is STILL looked at as BLACK first! YOU could never know what that is like! Since you wish to Quote MLK! Then this forum is indeed about ALL forms of injustice! Not just injustice towards Gays! But then again when you walk down the street even in drag you are looked at as WHITE first are you not? You talk about outrage towards the establishment?

• JCW
  Jan 26, 2007 at 1:55 pm

  The topic of this blog is Grey’s Anatomy. The topic of this entry is the possibility of one actor on the show being fired for using a gay slur against another. Race only enters the equation when people mention that they feel were the “N” word involved, and were it spoken by a white actor, stronger action would have taken place.

  People have been killed while being called the “N” word.

  People have been killed while being
  called the “F” word.

  They are both words that signify bigotry, predjudice and hate. One is not “worse” or “better” than they other.

  If that’s something that you cannot agree upon, it’s just too bad because it’s the truth.

  In this instance, there is no claim by any party involved that Mr. Washington has been slurred or treated badly because he is a Black man, that is why
  this conversation is currently not about injustice towards African Americans. Not because it doesn’t exist, but because it has nothing to do with the topic at hand.

  I have never heard of anybody named Charles Knipp, which is strange because I try to keep up with what’s happening in popular culture. If what you say about his act is true, then of course it is wrong and a protest should be mounted against him. If you would like to post a link to him and his work, I will be happy to join you in doing so.
  As you are the one who is outraged, I will follow your lead.

  What’s more pathetic than a member of one minority showing predjudice against members of another? If you are correct,
  Mr. Knipp is a moron.

  We already know that Mr. Washington must be.

  As I said, this is supposed to be about Grey’s Anatomy and the incident at hand. However, I will say that your history of slavery in Africa is correct….as far as it goes. It does not address that fact that indeed warring tribes DID sell blacks into slavery to the white man. In fact, some tribes went to war specifically for this type of revenue.

  And the only way I can “Escape” (As you put it) being identified by my sexual orientation is to live a life of lies.
  Yes, since indeed I don’t walk down the street in drag as you suggest, I am viewed simply as a white guy. But unless I choose to try and hide aspects of myself that heterosexuals regularly express, my every social and work interaction opens me up to judgement and predjudice…. and I have experienced both on a regular basis.

  When one of the crew or cast of Grey’s Anatomy is slurred for being black, I will be right there demanding justice.
  It’s a shame you have had to try and turn this into some kind of race debate instead of simply supporting T.R., who was INDEED called the “F” word by Washington - just not to his face - which in my mind makes the slur even lower.

  The subject at hand is a gay slur, not a racial one.

• JCW
  Jan 26, 2007 at 2:27 pm

  Denise, This bit from Wikipedia references both the form of slavery in Africa you reference as well as the history of Africans selling other Africans to Europeans that I mention.
  I hope you find it informative.

  African slave market

  Europeans sometimes bought slaves who were captured in wars between African kingdoms and chiefdoms, or from Africans who had made a business out of capturing Africans and selling them to the Europeans. African people were transported from these markets to the coast and sold at European trading ports in exchange for muskets and manufactured goods such as cloth or alcohol.

  Europeans rarely entered the interior of Africa, due to fear of disease and moreover fierce African resistance. They would be brought to coastal outposts where they would be traded for goods. Enslavement also became a major by-product of war in Africa as nation states expanded through military conflicts in most cases through deliberate sponsorship of benefiting European nations. During such periods of rapid state formation or expansion (Asante or Dahomey being good examples), slavery formed an important element of political life which the Europeans exploited: As Queen Sara’s plea to the Portuguese courts revealed, the system became sell to the Europeans or be sold to the Europeans. In Europe, convicted criminals could be punished by enslavement and with European demands for slaves, this punishment became more prevalent. Since most of these nations did not have a prison system, convicts were often sold or used in the scattered local domestic slave market. [3]

  The majority of European conquests occurred toward the end or after the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. One exception to this is the conquest of Ndongo and Kongo in Angola where warriors, citizens and even nobility were taken into slavery after the fall of the state.

  [edit] African versus European slavery
  “Slavery”, as it is often referred to, in African cultures was generally more like indentured servitude: “slaves” were not made to be chattel of other men, nor enslaved for life. African “slaves” were paid wages and were able to accumulate property. They often bought their own freedom and could then achieve social promotion -just as freedman in ancient Rome- some even rose to the status of kings (e.g. Jaja of Opobo and Sunni Ali Ber). Similar arguments were used by western slave owners during the time of abolition, for example by John Wedderburn in Wedderburn v. Knight, the case that ended legal recognition of slavery in Scotland in 1776. Regardless of the legal options open to slave owners, rational cost-earning calculation and/or voluntary adoption of moral restraints often tended to mitigate (except with traders, who preferred to weed out the worthless weak individuals) the actual fate of slaves throughout history.

• treesey
  Jan 26, 2007 at 7:31 pm

  JCW, you are full of it you know that? The fact that you referenced Wikipedia as a credible source says so much about your intelligence.

  You can gloss over my post all you want, but I have made very valid points.

  The question was asked and Isaiah answered. He’s a grown man and the QUESTION WAS DIRECTED TO ISAIAH WASHINGTON! Are you thick in the head? Lets get one things straight as a former gossip monger, I used to read Ted’s column and YES, HE IS COY WITH HIS TAUNTS, JABS, QUIPS, WHATEVER, so does piss on me and tell me it’s raining JCW. Don’t insult my intelligence nor try to put a spin on it.

  Yeah this is about bigotry alright, that gay whites want to have their cake and eat it too. They can call each other *ggots all the time, i.e, Will and Grace, Queer as Folk, but scream foul when someone else does it? GET OVER IT GAY PEOPLE! It’s not that serious! You can it both ways (doesn’t that sound familiar?)

  CLARIFICATION: ISAIAH DID NOT CALL T.K. or whatever his name that word. AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON’t YOU EVEN COME AT MY WITH THAT BIGOTRY AND HATE SPEECH IN THE WORKPLACE BULLSHIT because AFRICAN AMERICANS DEAL WITH INDIRECT RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION ALL DAMM DAY IN THE WORKPLACE!! I WORK IN CORP. AMERICA and have held other jobs and I know what I am talking about.

  So I’m Ignorant? IGNORANT? THIS IS THE MOST STUPID, MOST ASSININE GRASP AT INTELLIGENCE TO DATE: GAYS AND LESBIANS IN THE SLAVE ERA? Is that in the slave writings in the Library of Congress?

  From that last comment, I am done with you. You are extemely mental and this is pointless. To make a desparate attempt in trying to include gays in slavery, I’m thru with the dumb shit.

  LET’S BE VERY CLEAR BEFORE I GO, YES, AFRICANS ENSLAVED AND SOLD OTHER AFRICANS, BUT NEVER TO THE INHUMANE, DISGUSTING, BRUTAL, HORRIFIC INSTITUITION OF AMERICAN SLAVERY THAT TRANSPIRED.

  YOU ARE PITIFUL.

  I DO NOT CARE ABOUT GAY ISSUES BECAUSE GAYS ARE HYPOCRITES PLAIN AND SIMPLE. And I live in Seattle and have dear friends who are gay, so I’m plenty enlightened on the subject, however my dimwitted poster, you need not attempt to tell me about MY HISTORY. I’VE had uncles, cousins from ARKANSAS, ALABAMA, FLORIDA, NORTH CAROLINA who have been errorized by the KKK and Jim Crow, so don’t give me this shit on learning MY HISTORY. I know WHO I AM and WHERE I COME FROM.

  Gays, especially white gays will never be accepted on the whole by the majority of black america, let me clue you as to why. Because Gays have never had to endure the type of injustice passed down not only generation to generation, but as a race.

  As much as I love the dearly departed Mrs. King, I do not agree with her, and I’m not alone in that.

  Oh please, if Patrick Dempsey called T.K a f*ggot, none of you white gays would protest with such venom to the extreme that you’re doing now with Isaiah.

  You go into this tirade about slavery WAY OFF TOPIC,yet try to admonish me for doing the same. Hypocrite!

  Bye loser.

• JCW
  Jan 26, 2007 at 8:51 pm

  Treesey,

  “I DO NOT CARE ABOUT GAY ISSUES BECAUSE GAYS ARE HYPOCRITES PLAIN AND SIMPLE. And I live in Seattle and have dear friends who are gay”

  Dear friends, and you do not care about issues that affect them? It’s difficult to imagine any gay person considering you their friend. In fact, your point of view regarding gay people seems pretty clear, and it’s not supportive.

  “Gays, especially white gays will never be accepted on the whole by the majority of black america, let me clue you as to why. Because Gays have never had to endure the type of injustice passed down not only generation to generation, but as a race.”

  Have an issue with “white gays” especially, do you, Treesey? Do you speak for all African Americans when you state that they will not accept gay people?

  Are you telling us that this is a widespread attitude in the black community? Do you think that might have anything to do with Isaiah Washington’s attitude towards gays?

  Thank you Treesey. I didn’t want to say it myself because I’m not black, but it certainly sheds a LOT of light on this subject.

  “As much as I love the dearly departed Mrs. King, I do not agree with her, and I’m not alone in that”.

  No Treesey, I wouldn’t imagine from your statements that equal rights for all would mean much to you, much less the intentions of the founders of the movement that helped to give you the right to be the bigot that you are today.

  The incident being discussed is about one man using a gay slur against another in the workplace. This is not a race issue. It has never been a race issue, and if people like yourself were not trying to make it a race issue, race would not even come up.

  Your argument is because African Americans have had it so bad, how DARE gay Americans compare the abuses they endure to theirs.

  You, Treesey, are as bigoted as they come and should be ashamed. It breaks my heart that others of your race before you fought to try to give you a better life only to have you use the freedoms they attained for you to slam others.

  People like you, both black and white, are why there are still divisions in our society today. You are indeed ignorant, bigoted and prejudiced. I’m not making this up - it just shows in everything you say.

  The Grey’s situation is about homophobia. Stop trying to make it about your own agenda.

• JCW
  Jan 26, 2007 at 9:29 pm

  Oh…and by the way Treesey,

  I marched in the first Gay Pride parade
  in Fresno, CA history - and guess who turned out? A big contingent from the KKK! The police had to separate us.

  So please don’t preach to me about how your relatives have had to face the KKK - I’ve been there in person.

  You’d think that with a common enemy - predjudice, we’d be on the same side wouldn’t you?

  Instead, you and other black people like you turn out to be just as bigoted as those misguided people.

  Too sad. Some people don’t learn from history.

• Ria
  Jan 26, 2007 at 11:01 pm

  DON’T FIRE ISIAH!!

  Good comments TREESEY and DENISE!!!!
  I support both of you!! Keep up the good work…

  Oh JCW I live about 15 minutes away of the KKK. They march around here once a month this is in the south so if you won’t to come down here and face the real deal we can all come together and face are common enemy.

• Denise
  Jan 26, 2007 at 11:05 pm

  JCW thank you for pointing out my point as accurate although I could probably give you a list of material by scholars both black and white on the subject especially since I hold a BA in African American History “as well as a BA in Political Science Duel degrees ya know” and an MBA. I too have faced the KKK in person “while attending University at Vanderbilt” as well as several of my ancestors, and have a great uncle who was killed by the KKK in fact he was GUTTED like a fish THEN he was HUNG and BURNED while STILL ALIVE! This was witnessed by his neices and nephews, I.E. my grand father and his brothers and sisters. My dads aunt still has vivid memories and at the very young age of 86 she still has nightmares. Having said that I still find it interesting that as of yet you still have made no comment about Charles Knipp. Ok this is not a black and white issue? Fine. I will go with that. This is about homophobia? Ok i will go with that. So are we to understand that Charles Knipp is not fostering homophobia in the black community, with his act? Ok Isiah Washington, Treesey, Myself, My BLACK GAY Brother, and every black person in the free world who does not find this issue as serious as you is a homophobic, bigoted, horrific, asshole? Ok I will go with that. But still no comment on Charles Knipp! You are the most politically correct, oppressed, Gay,white, male on the planet. We should all be ashamed of ourselves for daring to dissagree with you. Ok I will accept that. Most of all we should be ashamed of ourselves because we are not following the teachings of the late, great, MLK the way YOU say they should be interpreted. Ok I will agree with you there. But still no comment on Charles Knipp. How many people do you know personally who have lost a job for calling someone a n****r? The fact is Isiah Washington is black, this is a fact, it is not something that can be ignored especially since so many are looking to have his career ruined for a comment. Does his family come into play here? He has children you know. But Hell he is homophobic so to hell with his children do what has alway been done to black men in this country! String him up! Burn him at the stake! destroy his future and the future of his offspring, what does it matter he is just an uppity N****R anyway. Right? But most of all JCW and all of you who think like him………. STILL NO COMMENT ON CHARLES KNIPP. Or perhaps we should just start another blog?? I wonder would you show up? Oh and by the way still no comment on Charles Knipp.

• JCW
  Jan 27, 2007 at 12:07 am

  Actually Denise, I DID comment about this Charles Knipp person, however my comment is stuck in moderation. I’m sure Ingrid will clear it in the next day or so. I’d like more information on this person and what he is doing.

  For the record, If Washington were fired, I would think it justified. If Washington is NOT fired, I would hope that he has learned something from this, and that perhaps we might ALL benefit from what he has learned. I’m not trying to get him fired, only raise awareness that his verbal abuse of a gay co-worker was serious enough to merit serious action.

  This entire incident has not been about
  some slur or slander against Washington. It has been about his anger management problems and a gay slur he made against a co-worker.

  To try and turn this into a race issue
  is simply out of place. It’s an effort to pull attention away from what happened. Ria, Denise and Teesey - none of you would be bothering to weigh in here had it been Patrick Dempsey who called T.R. Knight the “F” word.

  You are only here in support of a black actor whether he’s right or wrong.

  I would be here condeming whoever used this language in a workplace, regardless of their color. I would also be here supporting Washington had it been a white cast member calling him the “N” word.

  That’s the difference between us. It would seem the three of you only care about the issue if you can turn it into a race issue. Race or homophobic comment, I’d be outraged either way and feel compelled to speak out about it.

  Something really nasty has happened behind the scenes of one of my favorite shows, and it became public knowledge.

  That’s why I’m here. Why are you three here?

• Denise
  Jan 27, 2007 at 2:49 am

  Actually JCW I would have weighed in here if the comment had been made by Dempsey and I would have felt exactly the same. The comment was wrong period. But does not constitute firing. If you are truly aware of the law, depending on the size of your company unless their is GROSS misconduct there are procedures that must be followed before a person can be fired. And I can assure you one negative comment does not qualify. Perhaps we have different information, my sources indicate that the comment was made because Knight was late I.E. not there? You indicated that he heard the comment? I wonder how that is possible. Now Knight from all accounts was not openly gay before this incident forced him out. Unfortunatly the F word is also used to put down heterosexual men as well. “This might suprise you but is is just as hurtful when used in that manner” Is it even remotely possible that Washington was not fully aware that Knight was Gay? Probably not but possible. Another point that I take issue with is that Washington is being painted as some kind of out of control maniac, unfortunatly an all too familiar label placed on Black Men who speak their minds or raise their voices “sorry to bring up the color issue again but it is a fact of life!” first he calls a co-worker a f****t, then he arbitrairly attacks another co-worker, then he rips the mike out of the producers hand to lie and deny he made the comment…….. All of that seems just a little sensational even you have to admit that. First if he is that violent I doubt he would have gotten as far as he has in the industry secondly if he indeed attacked a co-worker he would have been fired especially given the public outcry resulting from his actions.I truly believe that this incident was not only made public, but blown out of proportion simply for some to garner some publicity, Who I am not sure. Dempsy? Knight? Hell it could even be Washington for all we know! We all know that controversey makes good copy, and I wonder how many new viewers have tuned in just to see the O.C. “out of control sorry couldn’t resist got it from my kid she is always giving me funny new slang to use!” Actor, or the poor beleaguered Gay guy who has to put up with it, or even the Sexy rightous Dempsey? I am sorry but white women will not work with a black man whom they even imagine could possibly become violent, not going to happen! I know I have dealt with enough of them and seen Black men fired for giving the “impression” of physical violence, so the comment “which I say again was wrong” I can buy, but the supposed violence is just way too much for me to swallow. But then again I am just a Bigot so what do I know right? Funny I don’t recall calling you names in any of my posts. The real truth is none of us was there, we can pontificate here in this forum for the next ten years but we have to assume that at least some of the media reports have been exaggerated to say the least. As for Charles Knipp I find it really interesting you were able to find such comprehensive information on Slavery via the internet but seem to have lost you ability to Google when it comes to Mr. Knipp.

• treesey
  Jan 27, 2007 at 8:30 am

  No, I don’t care about gay, whites who want to further advance their superiority to include civil rights as MINORITIES! NO, I don’t agree with it because they will never be considered oppressed group of people” for THEIR CHOICE TO BE GAY. No, I will not march in the gay pride parade to help advance GAY WHITES as if they’re some diadvantaged and underrespresented group such as blacks.

  Bottom line. Gay whites still are still WHITE, still have WHITE PRIVILEDGE, but want all the civil rights as a mintority. NOPE, I’ll never jump on that bandwagon.

  You mentioned Matthew Shephard in your other post, but what about the black Matthew Shephards?

  Good for you for EXPERIENCING WHAT BLACKS HAVE TO EXPERIENCE SINCE DAY ONE OF THEIR LIVES. GOOD, but no cigar.

  A BIGOT? Far from it, but I’m a realiss. A black woman who lives with double discrimination on a daily basis.

  NONE OF THESE SO CALLED BLOGS ABOUT ISAIAH’S ALLEGED SLUR would have the same venom if it were between 2 white actors and the accuser apologized to the victim. Nope, it would be business as usual and all would be forgiven. This media blitz has nothing to do with fairness.

  I am here to help you and other gay whites to dispell this myth that your cause is the same as black civil rights cause. It is not, nor will ever be. I am here because there is an unfair bias, especially since THERE ISN’T NOT ONE BLOG AGAINST CHARLES KNIPP AND HIS BLACKFACE MINSTRIL SHOW, WHICH IS HIGHLY OFFENSIVE, DISGUSTING IN ITSELF towards BLACK WOMEN. WHERE IS THE GAY OUTRAGE? OH NO WAIT, IT’s ALL CAMP RIGHT?

  So I stand by my perpective that all gay white men are in fact HYPOCRITES!

• Hal
  Jan 27, 2007 at 8:41 am

  The tone of the posts seems to have turned truly vitriolic and personally hateful since I made my post about 10 days ago…sorry it kicked up so much additional hatred, but I feel it had to be said and I guess it didn’t cause certain comments to be made, just caused people to voice them. It is a “black and white” issue only because it involved two individuals of different racial backgrounds. I personally would have been as outraged at Patrick Dempsey if he had used the slur and called for his firing as well. I was as outraged at Michael Richards words towards the person at the comedy club and spoke about how truly idiotic, moronic and deep down bigoted he is to my friends in personal conversations (and that he would probably pay dearly career-wise for his outburst), but I didn’t blog my comments anywhere because it didn’t personally affect me. Was that wrong of me…maybe, but I have to pick and choose my battles and I chose this one because it affects me personally as a Gay man.

  Ria, you can NEVER know what being called a Faggot by a group of hateful, angry and menacing men is like as I can NEVER know what it is like to be called a Nigger by a hateful, angry and menacing mob (with the “N” word it seems to cross gender lines…I find the “F” word is almost never used by women in a menacing situation….derogatory, but not confrontational), but let me tell you I can GUARANTEE that it is just a scary and I have feared for my safety in the exact same way that many African-Americans have in similar situations, and I live in NYC where supposedly it is safe to be Gay (from the 80’s when I “came out” through today). So telling me that I have no right to compare the “N” and “F” word as equally hateful comes across as condescending and can I say a bit bigoted on your part.

  You say that 400 years of slavery makes your situation worse…would you be more outraged if Gays had been persecuted for 400 years and the number of killings equaled those that were perpetrated against Blacks in this country over the course of history. HATE IS HATE! Race should not have anything to do with who is spouting the comments, but I am realistic enough to know that it does. Neither you nor I have been around for 400 years so I think we need to cut this argument out of a conversation when we discuss individuals…when you discuss the African-American situation as a whole it needs to be addressed, but in this case we are talking about individual people, not the group. In my nearly 50 years on this earth and almost 25 years being an openly Gay man I have been verbally assaulted on many occasions and though never physically attacked have been fearful of it several times.

  Besides being Gay I am also a Jewish man, so when Mel Gibson, Louis Farrakahn and all the other Jew hating bigots out there start spouting their vile rhetoric can I be MORE incensed than you? Since Jewish persecution and brutalization predates that of Black people by thousands of years and since MILLIONS of my people have been beaten, tortured, enslaved and murdered for the sake of religious purification (as opposed to the tens of thousands of African-Americans you referred to in your post) can I be more outraged than you? NO, BIGOTRY, HATE AND INTOLERANCE HAVE NO PLACE IN OUR SOCIETY! How long it has been occurring has no place in this conversation.

  I’ve calmed down a bit about Isaiah Washington being fired and if he TRULY learned the lesson that hateful words of any type carry consequences that affect those around you, then I say let’s just move on. But if he is just doing lip-service to appease Shondra Rhimes (who I feel during all her press conferences during the initial incident should have said that she found Washington’s words despicable, which she never did since no one wanted to admit that he used the word. All she did emphasize was that she found it frightening that the public felt that she could replace one African-American actor – Washington – with another African-American actor – Underwood) and the big-wigs at ABC to keep his job then all I can say is shame on him. In his heart he knows his true feelings and this is now between him and his conscience.

  Two other points and then I’ll end this…in interviews Washington mentioned playing a Gay character on film and being involved with certain causes struck a rather sour note…it’s would be as bad as a my saying, “…some of my best friends are Black”. What he was trying to say was “…some of my best friends are Gay”….how lame is that?!? And Denise, when you mentioned the following in you post: “…When they say it on Will & Grace, or Queer as Folk, etc. it’s funny? but THE WHITE MALE GAY community wishes to crucify this man? Give me a break!” Does this mean that when friends in a movie, on TV or in real life call each other the “N” word in fun and start laughing and joking around that it is okay for me to use the word? I don’t think it does (or should)…GIVE ME A BREAK!!

• treesey
  Jan 27, 2007 at 8:56 am

  Ria and Denise, I love your comments!!!

  JCW, I am not even gonna start on white lesbians.

• Hal
  Jan 28, 2007 at 6:02 am

  Denise:
  After seeing you mention Charles Knipp more than once I finally Googled him (having honestly NEVER having heard of him before seeing his name here — my lack of awareness and total ignorance I’m sorry to say) and found many a site that spoke about him and his character Shirley Q. Liquor.

  What can I say…I’m embarrassed, shocked and totally appalled that anyone, especially a Gay man, would perform such a heinous caricature in this day and age…and to me his being Gay makes it even more shocking since he should know the ramifications of these types of outlandish portrayals.

  My having never heard of him may be due to the fact that he was banned several years ago from performing at The View, a NYC Gay Chelsea bar, due to the offensive nature of his act and has never returned to NYC since then. This bolsters my elusive hopes that we folks in NYC have some semblance of class when it counts. His fan base, and overwhelming popularity according to the websites I viewed, seems to be in the South where bigotry doesn’t have a monopoly, but seems to thrive unchecked. So for what it’s worth I, as a Gay White male, offer my apologies for this so-called member of my clan who doesn’t have the sense that God gave him.

  That said, two wrongs don’t make a right and bigotry is bigotry wherever it emanates from. Hateful, vile, and offensive words are wrong no matter who utters them. In your post you said “…Does his (Washington) family come into play here? He ha