Rumors have been circulating that a crass comment from Isaiah Washington during his on-set argument with Patrick Dempsey may have prompted the decision of T.R. Knight (right) to go public regarding his sexuality.
We emphasize the word rumors, because these claims are still wholly unsubstantiated. Past colleagues of Washington's have been relaying accounts of surly behavior on set, and several tabloids are speculating that the man who plays Dr. Burke may be replaced.
But according to a statement released by ABC and sources close to the set, that is not true. Isaiah will be sticking around. However, our sources do report that things are still shaken up on the Grey's Anatomy set and the production department is struggling with how to best to handle the aftermath of the scuffle -- both on set and in the storyline.
The Insider has refrained from commenting on this issue due to the lack of credible information. But if a remark from Washington did force Knight out of the closet, as is being reported, that would be very upsetting.
This was obviously a difficult week for T.R., regardless of what prompted his decision to go public. If he did so not entirely of his own volition, it would be extremely sad. Above all else, we're supportive of T.R. and his decision, and hope he's not suffering any backlash.
But unless Washington's role in the matter is confirmed, it does little good to speculate. Releasing irrelevant stories from Isaiah's past does nothing but fuel rumors and keep the incident from blowing over.
For all we know, he said everything attributed to him -- but he also may not have. The media is clearly conducting a hit job on Isaiah, trying to give a story legs it doesn't have. At least for now. Unless that changes, we're staying above the Fray (bad pun intended).
Here's hoping that the incident is resolved and Grey's Anatomy carries on in all its marvelous glory. If we hear anything new, we'll share it with you ASAP.
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16 Comments
October 24th, 2006 8:11 AM
Thank you for not feeding into this frenzy. Everytime I turn around there is more media hype and I don't know what to believe. I've adopted an attitude of not believing anything until I hear it straight form the horses mouth so to speak. So until I hear something from ABC, Shonda, or one of the actors, I'm not listening.
GO T.R.!!
October 24th, 2006 12:33 PM
i'm glad to hear someone say what you've said. We don't know what really happened. And who cares if TR Knight is gay? That's his business. I applaud his bravery. I also applaud his portrayal of our lovable George. That's all that matters! and George isn't leaving this fan's heart anytime soon!!!!!!!!
October 24th, 2006 4:16 PM
I hope this dies down soon it's gotten way out of hand. These guys deserve respect and privacy. Shonda will take care of it to the best of her ability. And for those who just like to start trouble for the heck of it like I said on another post GET A LIFE also keep your mouth closed. THANK YOU from a real GA fan.
October 24th, 2006 6:00 PM
I agree wholeheartedly. I am backing Isaiah 100% until I have any substantiated reason to think differently. I can't imagine that it has been a very good week for Isaiah either. As an aside, I don't believe that a remark from anyone can bring you "out of the closet". If you don't want to be out, deny the remark. If someone called me a name and it does not fit me, I certainly wouldn't have to say it did. Has T.R. ever said that it was because of IW that he decided to announce that he is gay? If I were the folks at GA, I might be upset because this announcement may hurt his credibility as a heterosexual male on the show with some people. I love George. He has some of the funniest and most endearing lines. I also love Burke. I love everything about this character. Let's hope this can all be put to rest soon and we can go on enjoying the show and everyone on it. There are great interactions on the show between George and Burke. I loved when George kept putting his foot in his mouth by trying to talk to Burke about his relatioship with Cristina and Burke got very distant and cold. Remember George banged his head on the lady whose heart caught on fire's suitcase and thought he had blown it. Burke turned around and called out, "You're still my guy, O'Malley". It was a great moment. I am hoping for more.
October 24th, 2006 7:31 PM
I've always liked Mr. Knight and the George characters, but I wasn't surprise that he was gay. I've always thought he was, but it didn't make me feel any different about the character or actor. In fact, when the spoiler came out about one of the interns being bisexual, I really thought it would be George.
October 25th, 2006 10:09 AM
Now that Mr. Washington has indeed apologized for his "actions and the unfortunate use of words during the recent incident on-set," I will now not be watching this show any longer unless this actor is dismissed. To do otherwise is to condone violent actions laced with homophobia--characteristics I find abhorrent in any individual, let alone any actor who relies on viewers to maintain his very salary. No can do.
October 25th, 2006 6:48 PM
It's time to forget and move on!!!!!
October 25th, 2006 8:17 PM
Bye Mac!
October 26th, 2006 6:07 AM
It sounds as if events on the set have been blown way out of proportion. People who work long hours together tend to get annoyed after a particularly long day -- I highly doubt this is the worst example of co-workers not getting along in Hollywood, it's just that it happened to make the papers. I also doubt that Knight's sexuality had anything to do with it, but it is unfortunate that his orientation has now become a media issue. Who cares? If this behavior was a recurrent theme on the set, then I could understand cries of dismissal, but this is the first report of such a thing happening. I'm sure if the rest of the cast felt threatened by Washington, he'd be off but if they've made their peace, then it's a non-issue. Mac -- don't tell me you've never said or done anything in the heat of the moment that you regretted later! How could you have possibly changed or learned from it if no one accepted your apology?
October 26th, 2006 10:34 AM
BYE MAC...........I'LL ALWAYS BE A FAN... TIME TO MOVE ON AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE INNTERNS LIVES...