Oh come on people. He said one word one time not directed at TR and not intended to cause him hurt or embarrassement. He was then put in the position by Ted from Eonline of having to defend himself. By denying out loud the word that some of the less reputable media people were accusing him of calling TR it opened all of this up again. No one should lose their job over one slip of the tongue and another media set up.
I would really like to see Isaiah and TR come to an agreement about what actually occurred on the set and deal with the misunderstanding. They need to make a joint statement of whether or not this fracus is over. If they are able to do that and the rest of the cast is satisfied that it was not Isaiah's intention ever to harm TR, the rabble rousers should back off and let us enjoy the entire cast of Grey's.
Grey, it doesn't take a man to go on television and call your castmate a liar. It takes a child who needs to have the last word. TR would have been more of a man to just let the entire thing pass because by making a huge deal out of one word said in anger to someone else who was not gay at all, he has made this far worse that it had to be. Using an ugly word once in an argument does not make you a homophobe. A lifetime of tolerance and good relationships with the gay community should speak louder than a one time slip.
It is interesting to me that Isaiah has had only very positive things to say about TR as an actor, castmate, and as a person both before and after the incident in October and after TR called him a liar on the Ellen show. He still never really addressed why he felt he had to go public with his gayness because of the fight between Patrick and Isaiah. Do you think there is any possibility that he is enjoying the spotlight at the expense of his castmate?
Isaiah has never, ever suggested that he hates anyone, yet katherinefan you feel perfectly within your right to announce to the world that you hate Isaiah, a man you don't know and will never meet. What is the more destructive? Your kind of hate or Isaiah's one time use of an ugly word? You directed your hatred towards Isaiah. Isaiah did not direct his word towards TR. It just doesn't add up. If you are a Grey's fan it is really sad because I have always been proud to be in the company of Grey's fans and I am not proud to be in the company of people who hate so easily. Hatred is a destructive word. All of the hate being bandied about is far worse, in my opinion, than anything Isaiah may have said or done unintentionally to TR Knight. Faggot is only a word and only as powerful as we want to make it. TR has chosen to make it a powerful indictment of himself. I don't condone the use of the word faggot. However, the reaction to it has been ridiculously overblown. I also do not condone the use of the word hate towards someone who has not harmed you. You don't even know what actually happened, no one does except those whose job it is now to fix the mess. It would be great, Grey, if we could simply not talk about this anymore, but unfortunately for everyone who says something sensible and reasonable with regard to last Monday's embarrassing question and answer, someone else throws out hateful statements that just should not go unanswered.
Burke Backer Says:
January 20th, 2007 5:08 PM
No one should use language that belittles another human being, but it happens all of the time. The difference between Mel Gibson and "Kramer" Richards and Isaiah, kitty6464, is that both Gibson and Richards directed their slurs at people with intent to cause pain and embarrrassment. Isaiah should not have used this word, but TR was not on the set to his knowledge. He did not direct it towards TR. His intention was not to hurt or humiliate his castmate. TR claims to have overheard it. There is a world of difference when you put intention into the equation.
The fact that he used this word could be symptomatic of some underlying feelings that being gay isn't okay. If that is the case he needs to address it in his own heart. I don't think that is the case because it would be very hard to have the long career that he has had in a place very pro gay rights and harbor negative feelings without them coming out before. I don't know though. But it is also not necessariiy symtomatic of being homophobic. People are making huge assumptions here about what this man is thinking and feeling. All we know for sure is that he didn't think before using this word in either occasion even if it was not intended to harm anyone.
I certainly hope that ABC Touchstone is more rationale in their handling of the fallout of this than many of the people who post on the web. It is impossible to tell who are actual Grey's Anatomy fans and who are simply Gay and Lesbian Rights supporters. They are having a hay day with this regardless and if they have their way and an excellent actor and a key character is lost to the show, we will be the losers. If that happens I will no longer be a fan of the show because the hate mongers would have won and I do not want to be counted among the haters. So I hope they work it out and Isaiah stays and the whole thing is allowed to die down and disappear.
Burke Backer Says:
January 20th, 2007 5:11 PM
"His comments to Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush and his persistent insistence that he did not use the word completely evaporated any credibility he may have had."
He did not say he didn't use the word, Milly. Go back and listen again. He said he did not call TR a faggot. TR didn't even say Isaiah called him a faggot. He said he overheard Isaiah use that word in an argument referring to him. Is there some reason that you do not want to see the difference? Is there something that you have against Isaiah other than using an ugly word in an argument?
Burke Backer Says:
January 20th, 2007 5:17 PM
Gina, I'm sorry you feel you have to yell. Do you know Isaiah? He is a graduate from Howard University. I believe he is educated enough to write his own heart felt apology. I have no reason to doubt his sincerity and neither do you.
"BUT ALSO FOR THOSE WHO STRUGGLE WITH THE DAY TO DAY HATE THAT IS DISHED OUT LEFT AND RIGHT BY SOCIETY AS A WHOLE"
Who is dishing out the hate now and who is it directed at? Isaiah's comments were never filled with hate towards TR. They were even directed at TR.
Isaiah cannot be replaced as Burke. The character is too much ingrained by the nuances that this actor has brought to the part. It is time for the fans of GA to get a grip and a little better perspective on what happened.
Julia Says:
January 20th, 2007 6:11 PM
all of you should be ashamed of yourselves. are you even diehard grey fans to begin with? so IW says the f-word. . .big deal! i say rubbish now & again. . .at work, sometimes at home, when i'm in the car, etc. . .but that shouldn't result in a termination. . .that's jst ludicrous!
"ppl who live in glass houses, shouldn't throw stones"
GINA Says:
January 20th, 2007 6:24 PM
THIS COMMENT TO DIRECTED TO BURKE BACKER
YES I DID KNOW THAT IW WAS A GRADUATE OF HARVARD, WHICH DOES NOT IMPRESS ME A BIT. YOU WOULD THINK THAT SUCH AN EDUCATED MAN WOULD BE ABLE TO COME UP SOMETHING MORE CREATIVE. AS FOR ME "KNOWING " HIM , NO I DONT KNOW HIM NOR DO I WANT TO, I BELIEVE SOMEONE ELSE WROTE THAT APOLOGY, EVEN THE PRESIDENT HAS SOMEONE WHO WRITES HIS SPEECHES. I HAVE LOST EVER BIT OF RESPECT FOR THE GUY(IW) AND NOTHING YOU (BURKE BACKER) CAN SAY OR TYPE TO CHANGE MY MIND. IVE READ YOUR COMMENTS, I RESPECT YOUR COMMENTS, DO EVERYONE A FAVOR AND RESPECT THIERS POSTED HERE ALSO.
Milly Says:
January 20th, 2007 7:29 PM
He did not say he didn't use the word, Milly. Go back and listen again. He said he did not call TR a faggot. TR didn't even say Isaiah called him a faggot. He said he overheard Isaiah use that word in an argument referring to him. Is there some reason that you do not want to see the difference? Is there something that you have against Isaiah other than using an ugly word in an argument?
Is the difference between "calling" someone that word and "referring" to someone as that word significant? Whether or not he said to his face or behind his back does not change anything, IMO. The meaning is intact; it is the same.
Anyway, I certainly did not come here to change anyone's opinion, only to express mine, which leads to confusion when reading both your questions, particularly: "Is there something that you have against Isaiah other than using an ugly word in an argument?" Honestly, that doesn't deserve an answer. Obviously I think that his comments and his behaviour thereafter are enough. If the cast and crew collectively choose to forgive him and keep him, then that's a different story. And I commend and praise Katherine Heigl for expressing her opinion about IW's rehashing the topic all over again as "not okay." She stood up for TR and it was a fabulous moment.
This is a tense topic and people will naturally disagree, but it is possible to express our opinions without asking, IMO, questions of that nature to other commentators. It makes this environment all the more negative. I'd rather agree to disagree and leave it at that. :)
Milly Says:
January 20th, 2007 7:36 PM
"I RESPECT YOUR COMMENTS, DO EVERYONE A FAVOR AND RESPECT THIERS POSTED HERE ALSO"
Exactly. No one here should feel ashamed of themselves for having an opinion (good for you for having one!). It is about IW and the controversy, not about the commentators.
Nikki Says:
January 21st, 2007 2:25 AM
"Is the difference between "calling" someone that word and "referring" to someone as that word significant? Whether or not he said to his face or behind his back does not change anything"
I completely agree with you. Whether he said it to his face or behind his back is irrelevant because he still said it and it was still refering to T.R. On top of the fact that he was fighting with another castmate. I don't understand why another castmate has to be brought into a fight that doesn't involve him.
And I go back to my comment about the n-word. Both are deeming words and to certain types of people both are offensive. I'm sure that IW as at least once in his life been called the n-word and I'm sure that he didn't like it. So why would he call T.R. the f-word? Obviously, T.R. isn't going to like being called that either.
I also don't understand why this had to be brought up again months later. I'm sure the situation hadn't calmed on set but it had calmed in the media and by IW taking the mic and talking about it again it's brought it all into the lime light.
I will continue to watch Grey's whether IW is fired or not. I love the show and since he isn't the reason I watch I could really careless whether he is there or not. I don't necessarly think he should be fired but I do think that something should be done rather than just a public apology. They've basically given him a slap on the wrist and said, "don't do it again." That's not right! That pretty much portrays to the fans of the show and the people that know about this fight that it is okay to call someone an offensive name when it's not.
My point with the n-word argument was that people would be making a bigger deal had IW been called the n-word than they are now. Somebody would've definately been punished for it in some way. After all the creator of Grey's made a bigger deal when this first happened and people suggested firing IW and replacing him with another black actor. She said something along the lines that she was appalled that viewers would think that it's perfectly normal to replace one black actor with another.
And I agree with Kitty6464, T.R. has been the bigger man in all this because in this day an age you could sue for defamation of character and he hasn't. The most he's done is gone on Ellen DeGeneres to talk about it. Well IW talked about it on Opera so isn't that about the same thing. Both went to go talk about it on the show they felt the most comfortable on.
Grey Says:
January 21st, 2007 1:10 PM
well, i didn't format that message well, but you get the point. here is the one with girls and george
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sotAfH4BJQ
Burke Backer Says:
January 21st, 2007 1:50 PM
I do respect the people on this website and their opnions even when I don't agree with them. Some people, however, post inaccurate information about what happened and make absolutely hateful comments about Isaiah Washington based on information that is at best only partially known. It is clear that Isaiah and TR have a different version of what happened back in October. It would be great if they could work out between themselves what actually happened and why and get past it. Isaiah should not have used the term he used whether to someone else or to TR. If TR was offended by the use of the word it might have been better to discuss it with Isaiah and get it worked out rather than having a press conference to talk about being gay and talking about it again on a talk show. Neither man has acted in the best interest of the show and the fans, and in my opinion Katherine Heigl does not help by taking sides. These are both her castmates. She told Ellen initially that she wasn't on the set. It is sad all the way around and I hope they come to terms with it and move on so that we can, too.
Milly, I do think there is a difference. I don't think Isaiah would have used that word to TRs face, because I don't think he is a hateful man who would have set out to hurt TR. He should not have used the word at all, I agree with you. But, yes, I do think there is a difference because the hurt was unintentional and not directed at TR.
Fran Says:
January 21st, 2007 5:59 PM
I wonder if BB is a close personal friend of IW, or how she can read his mind.
It seems to me she thinks she knows what his intent was, when he himself says he can't explain it.
Others react to what they saw on Golden Globes night. If IW himself can admit in a statement that he marred what should have been a great evening for the cast, why can't she? If he says he regrets what he did, why does BB keep saying it was unintentional, and so on and so forth...
Kitty6464 Says:
January 21st, 2007 8:34 PM
Thank you "Burke Backer". In light of your response, allow me to clear up something.
Whether or not the intention was negative, has no bearing on the fact that it caused a social disruption. As mild as it may seem to some, it is important to others who says what, and why they say it. The art of free speech, like anything else, has its loopholes. IW found it necessary to use that right and say something that would later be seen as inappropriate. We are granted free speech with the hope that we as adults will understand that everything, including words, have their place in society.
Regardless of his motive, regardless of his mindset at the time of the incident, the comment was said not only once, but twice; in two different settings and seasons, by the same person. It's not so bad that he uttered this tasteless and ignorant word, but the fact that it had "supposedly" been quashed and then it was repeated some 4 months later is really what created the hooplah.
If it matters to you the intent of a person's actions, remember that the next time you hear about someone having a car accident and fleeing the scene. They probably didn't mean to run into someone, but if they run and cower, then it's obvious they had no "intent" on owning to it, either. Think about it. IW said it, then he apologized. He brought it up again. Not T.R., nor anyone else from the show mentioned that word again. IW brought it up at a photo shoot that should have been for the celebration of the show's success. Nobody asked him anything....HE SAID IT AGAIN ON HIS OWN!!
If he's that hungry for attention, he's in the right business, but he needs to exercise a little class.
Thank you and good nite.
Kitty6464 Says:
January 21st, 2007 8:49 PM
T.R. was a complete...COMPLETE (I say) gentleman. You can never tell a person's character until they are made to respond to something. He proved to me that he's got class. The comment in question was discussed and it was decided by T.R. that it was nothing to get worked up over. Yes, it was painful, and as an "educated" man, I find it hard to believe that IW could've even thought about the word without associating pain with it.
It's a DERROGATORY word. With education, knowledge is supposed to ensue. With knowledge, comes compassion and understanding. With compassion and understanding, comes patience and tolerance.
Unless IW is from another planet, he is, by right, a poor representative for Harvard.
I'm sorry, I like the guy, but I despise his action, and I am ashamed of him for denying his fault and
later trying to gain acceptance by "dramatically" apologizing, only after the ABC head officers get involved.
Had the shoe been on the other foot; all hell would still be breaking loose. Everybody from Al Sharpton to Rosa Parks' grandchildren would be shaken by such bitterness and disrespect.
Television has created a great deal of entertainment, but it has also caused a great deal of discomfort among those of us who are trying to preserve the humanity between men.
There are plenty of things in this country for us to be "rattled" about; but this is just proof that even a seemingly small comment can make ripples in an already-disturbed pond.
To Shonda, I hope this can be resolved and things can get back to normal. It does mean alot to some of us that language has truly gone too far.
Burke Backer Says:
January 21st, 2007 9:18 PM
Hi Fran, I think he is very sorry for marring what should have been a happy occasion by responding to the reporter. I also think he is very sorry that anyone thinks he intentionally set out to hurt TR Knight. Nothing that I have said is inconsistent with Isaiah's apology.
Burke Backer Says:
January 21st, 2007 9:23 PM
Hello Kitty, I hear what you are saying, but Isaiah didn't bring it up. Ted from Eonline did. At their moment of celebration the first question he asked was about Isaiah's homophobic slur. Isaiah was trying to clarify that he did not call TR the slur. He was not calling him a name in that situation, but rather trying to end the constant questioning about it.
Burke Backer Says:
January 21st, 2007 9:33 PM
Just a slight correction, Isaiah graduated from Howard University in Washington DC, not Harvard. I so agree with you, Kitty. I hope Shonda and everyone else associated with GA are able to settle the bad feelings and hurt that this entire incident has caused for many people including both Isaiah and TR. You and I will have to agree to disagree about the motives of both Isaiah and TR in this situation, Kitty. Really, the only one who had anything to gain from all of this is actually the media hounds who would not let it die the first time and brought it up yet again after the GGs.
Disappointed with Burke but hopeful Says:
January 21st, 2007 10:36 PM
I have been absolutely impressed with this show and it's following. I felt that all the characters and those of you who play them posses the utmost in sensitivity and appreciation for one another, until that statement at the Golden Globes. Isiah, as an African American who may or may not have experienced someones use of a word for the strick purpose to hurt you and belittle, I thought you might have the sensitivity to understand the road that T.R. must take as a member of a community that is not looked upon in this world as equal. As a man, you should have known better and as an African American, you should have been sensitive. As an African American and gay male, I am disappointed in your choice of words to deny the accusation of your use of the word in the first place. There are enough people in the world that will use that word with such evil and grotesque infliction of pain, please don't join them and destroy the beautiful representation that Grey's Anatomy gives the fans every Thursday night. I was so impressed with you on Oprah and all that you had to say. Please, please, please remind yourself of those words and live up to them. Be the man you can be and accept those different then you regardless of your personal beliefs. Strive to be the solution and not a part of the problem.
joy Says:
January 22nd, 2007 1:57 AM
guys! here's the link of the actual press room interview in last week's golden globe....i think the question was directed to shonda. and then IW grab the microphone. If he just let it go, and leave the answering to shonda it wouldn't have not grown this BIG.
look at PDs reaction, so uneasy..though i haven't seen Kat and TR's reactionl
joy Says:
January 22nd, 2007 1:59 AM
if you can't view it try going to YAHOOtv its there.
McNasty Social Worker Says:
January 22nd, 2007 12:32 PM
I have kept my mouth shut on this matter long enough to process it. I understand the hurt and impact that one word can cause a person, but we have to remember that it is just that....A WORD! I respect both T.R. and Isaiah. I do agree that Isaiah was wrong for using the F word. It is a derogatory word and should never be used. It is right up there for the N word! However, I do think that it was wrong for T.R. to go on Ellen and say that Isaiah using the word "forced" him to come out and speak openly about his sexual orientation. T.R. CHOSE to come out! No one person or word MADE him come out. Now I do not know if he did it to boast his popularity or what, but he should have never said that comment on Ellen. I am also very disappointed in Katherine for speaking about Isaiah's remarks at the Golden Globes. No other cast member, writer, or producer spoke about the incident to reporters after it happened, but she just had to say something to add fuel to the fire. I hate to say this, but T.R. is a grown man and needs to stand up for himself. He does not need Katherine or anyone else to argue or speak in his behave. I truly believe that ABC and Shonda Rhimes know that if Isaiah is fired that the ratings will go down. Not just because of the harsh consequence, but statistics have shown that anytime cast members are traded out or moved around that the ratings go down. Everyone should be an adult about the situation. Isaiah did apologize and that is a start. I believe that if everyone was punsihed that severely for a slip of the tongue or for just speaking for thinking...we would be really bad off. We all have said or done things that have not been appropriate at times, but come on people....enough is enough. Remember that you never know what people are truly saying behind the privacy of their own homes and then come and smile in your face. Take this incident as a learning experience. Thanks and God Bless!
monifa Says:
January 22nd, 2007 4:08 PM
even if he did people what is the problem i dot have anything against gays but they are considered faggot as well so what is the problem. people wakew up and use ur time more wisely our soilders are ding for no reason why dont we work on getting bush out of office so that we can save whatever troops we have left rather to waste time because washington called knight a faggot. it is true anyway so what is the fuss?
tRU2LIght Says:
January 22nd, 2007 9:02 PM
To bad everyone in America hates the truth. These people act together. Key word act. They don't have to like each other. If T.R. was so upset about being called a faggot, then maybe he should stop being one. I'm not saying what took place at the Golden Globes was at the right place or time. But Isiah Washington has the right to his feelings. It caused no physical harm, and in my opinion brought more attention to a show that has a considerable amount already. Going on a certain someones television show to cry about being called a faggot is pretty pathetic. Thats like going to a beauty pageant and becoming upset because someone told you that you are pretty.
hitch8885 Says:
January 25th, 2007 7:36 PM
ok....
It seems that hollywood is some how immune to the rules and actions of the real world. Could you imagine going to work and refering to a coworker as a f!@ or the n word. I wouldnt be able to go into "homophobia rehab" or whatever crazy publicity crap they are trying to sell the public. I would be looking for another job end of story. In this day in age we can not tolerate actions like this.
Whats next... Someone robs a bank and pleads not guilty by reason of alcoholism and jumps into rehab?
The rules of the real world should apply to hollywood. period.
Juanita Says:
January 30th, 2007 9:34 AM
I. W. forgot that he is in Hollyweird. In Hollyweird Jews, gays and mafia control what's on TV. People have disagreement at work all the time. Some people even have affairs. We all know someone at work we can't stand. I hear people use profanity in the work place and no one is fire for that. I can only assume I. W. was telling Dempsey that he is not a sissy (f-word). I. W. had to put Dempsey's ass in check. T. R. said I. W. referred to him as a faggot. I. W. didn't directly call him a fag. If T. R. has a problem with that, he should have dealt with I. W. right then and there. Yes, I. W. could have used a different word but I. W. is a grown ass man. I. W. has apologized. If ABC was going to fire him, they should have done it 2 or 3 months ago. We all have said and done things we are not proud of. So stop being hypocrisy. Sorry people you can just simply replace one black actor for another. He is a major part of the show. I think he is very attractive and an excellent actor. I. W. has a right to make a living. I don't think he should be fire. If they do, the show will not be the same. We don't know what really happen only the people who were there knows. Someone on the set leak the story that's how T. R. was outted Maybe it was Katherine Heigel. What is ABC going to do about Katherine. She was talking about kicking I. W. ass. Now she is demonstrating violence in the workplace. Will she be fire? No. I also feel T. R. needs to man up and fight his own battles. Don't go on Ellen and Rosie's show and whined that someone said faggot. Be a man and fight your own battles. No matter where you go. You are gonna hear a slur or cussing of some sort. Everyone has prejudices and stereotypes. I don't want my son to hear profanity but we walk out our door. People use it. What they are doing to I. W. is a modern day lynching. I don't watch the show and I don't think it's right he is receiving all this blacklash. We need to learn how to be more tolerance. Show the same compassion you had for Michael Richards AKA Kramer to I. W. Let differences create respects not conflict. Do the right thing people. Get over it and let it go.
January 20th, 2007 4:46 PM
Oh come on people. He said one word one time not directed at TR and not intended to cause him hurt or embarrassement. He was then put in the position by Ted from Eonline of having to defend himself. By denying out loud the word that some of the less reputable media people were accusing him of calling TR it opened all of this up again. No one should lose their job over one slip of the tongue and another media set up.
I would really like to see Isaiah and TR come to an agreement about what actually occurred on the set and deal with the misunderstanding. They need to make a joint statement of whether or not this fracus is over. If they are able to do that and the rest of the cast is satisfied that it was not Isaiah's intention ever to harm TR, the rabble rousers should back off and let us enjoy the entire cast of Grey's.
Grey, it doesn't take a man to go on television and call your castmate a liar. It takes a child who needs to have the last word. TR would have been more of a man to just let the entire thing pass because by making a huge deal out of one word said in anger to someone else who was not gay at all, he has made this far worse that it had to be. Using an ugly word once in an argument does not make you a homophobe. A lifetime of tolerance and good relationships with the gay community should speak louder than a one time slip.
It is interesting to me that Isaiah has had only very positive things to say about TR as an actor, castmate, and as a person both before and after the incident in October and after TR called him a liar on the Ellen show. He still never really addressed why he felt he had to go public with his gayness because of the fight between Patrick and Isaiah. Do you think there is any possibility that he is enjoying the spotlight at the expense of his castmate?
Isaiah has never, ever suggested that he hates anyone, yet katherinefan you feel perfectly within your right to announce to the world that you hate Isaiah, a man you don't know and will never meet. What is the more destructive? Your kind of hate or Isaiah's one time use of an ugly word? You directed your hatred towards Isaiah. Isaiah did not direct his word towards TR. It just doesn't add up. If you are a Grey's fan it is really sad because I have always been proud to be in the company of Grey's fans and I am not proud to be in the company of people who hate so easily. Hatred is a destructive word. All of the hate being bandied about is far worse, in my opinion, than anything Isaiah may have said or done unintentionally to TR Knight. Faggot is only a word and only as powerful as we want to make it. TR has chosen to make it a powerful indictment of himself. I don't condone the use of the word faggot. However, the reaction to it has been ridiculously overblown. I also do not condone the use of the word hate towards someone who has not harmed you. You don't even know what actually happened, no one does except those whose job it is now to fix the mess. It would be great, Grey, if we could simply not talk about this anymore, but unfortunately for everyone who says something sensible and reasonable with regard to last Monday's embarrassing question and answer, someone else throws out hateful statements that just should not go unanswered.
January 20th, 2007 5:08 PM
No one should use language that belittles another human being, but it happens all of the time. The difference between Mel Gibson and "Kramer" Richards and Isaiah, kitty6464, is that both Gibson and Richards directed their slurs at people with intent to cause pain and embarrrassment. Isaiah should not have used this word, but TR was not on the set to his knowledge. He did not direct it towards TR. His intention was not to hurt or humiliate his castmate. TR claims to have overheard it. There is a world of difference when you put intention into the equation.
The fact that he used this word could be symptomatic of some underlying feelings that being gay isn't okay. If that is the case he needs to address it in his own heart. I don't think that is the case because it would be very hard to have the long career that he has had in a place very pro gay rights and harbor negative feelings without them coming out before. I don't know though. But it is also not necessariiy symtomatic of being homophobic. People are making huge assumptions here about what this man is thinking and feeling. All we know for sure is that he didn't think before using this word in either occasion even if it was not intended to harm anyone.
I certainly hope that ABC Touchstone is more rationale in their handling of the fallout of this than many of the people who post on the web. It is impossible to tell who are actual Grey's Anatomy fans and who are simply Gay and Lesbian Rights supporters. They are having a hay day with this regardless and if they have their way and an excellent actor and a key character is lost to the show, we will be the losers. If that happens I will no longer be a fan of the show because the hate mongers would have won and I do not want to be counted among the haters. So I hope they work it out and Isaiah stays and the whole thing is allowed to die down and disappear.
January 20th, 2007 5:11 PM
"His comments to Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush and his persistent insistence that he did not use the word completely evaporated any credibility he may have had."
He did not say he didn't use the word, Milly. Go back and listen again. He said he did not call TR a faggot. TR didn't even say Isaiah called him a faggot. He said he overheard Isaiah use that word in an argument referring to him. Is there some reason that you do not want to see the difference? Is there something that you have against Isaiah other than using an ugly word in an argument?
January 20th, 2007 5:17 PM
Gina, I'm sorry you feel you have to yell. Do you know Isaiah? He is a graduate from Howard University. I believe he is educated enough to write his own heart felt apology. I have no reason to doubt his sincerity and neither do you.
"BUT ALSO FOR THOSE WHO STRUGGLE WITH THE DAY TO DAY HATE THAT IS DISHED OUT LEFT AND RIGHT BY SOCIETY AS A WHOLE"
Who is dishing out the hate now and who is it directed at? Isaiah's comments were never filled with hate towards TR. They were even directed at TR.
Isaiah cannot be replaced as Burke. The character is too much ingrained by the nuances that this actor has brought to the part. It is time for the fans of GA to get a grip and a little better perspective on what happened.
January 20th, 2007 6:11 PM
all of you should be ashamed of yourselves. are you even diehard grey fans to begin with? so IW says the f-word. . .big deal! i say rubbish now & again. . .at work, sometimes at home, when i'm in the car, etc. . .but that shouldn't result in a termination. . .that's jst ludicrous!
"ppl who live in glass houses, shouldn't throw stones"
January 20th, 2007 6:24 PM
THIS COMMENT TO DIRECTED TO BURKE BACKER
YES I DID KNOW THAT IW WAS A GRADUATE OF HARVARD, WHICH DOES NOT IMPRESS ME A BIT. YOU WOULD THINK THAT SUCH AN EDUCATED MAN WOULD BE ABLE TO COME UP SOMETHING MORE CREATIVE. AS FOR ME "KNOWING " HIM , NO I DONT KNOW HIM NOR DO I WANT TO, I BELIEVE SOMEONE ELSE WROTE THAT APOLOGY, EVEN THE PRESIDENT HAS SOMEONE WHO WRITES HIS SPEECHES. I HAVE LOST EVER BIT OF RESPECT FOR THE GUY(IW) AND NOTHING YOU (BURKE BACKER) CAN SAY OR TYPE TO CHANGE MY MIND. IVE READ YOUR COMMENTS, I RESPECT YOUR COMMENTS, DO EVERYONE A FAVOR AND RESPECT THIERS POSTED HERE ALSO.
January 20th, 2007 7:29 PM
He did not say he didn't use the word, Milly. Go back and listen again. He said he did not call TR a faggot. TR didn't even say Isaiah called him a faggot. He said he overheard Isaiah use that word in an argument referring to him. Is there some reason that you do not want to see the difference? Is there something that you have against Isaiah other than using an ugly word in an argument?
Is the difference between "calling" someone that word and "referring" to someone as that word significant? Whether or not he said to his face or behind his back does not change anything, IMO. The meaning is intact; it is the same.
Anyway, I certainly did not come here to change anyone's opinion, only to express mine, which leads to confusion when reading both your questions, particularly: "Is there something that you have against Isaiah other than using an ugly word in an argument?" Honestly, that doesn't deserve an answer. Obviously I think that his comments and his behaviour thereafter are enough. If the cast and crew collectively choose to forgive him and keep him, then that's a different story. And I commend and praise Katherine Heigl for expressing her opinion about IW's rehashing the topic all over again as "not okay." She stood up for TR and it was a fabulous moment.
This is a tense topic and people will naturally disagree, but it is possible to express our opinions without asking, IMO, questions of that nature to other commentators. It makes this environment all the more negative. I'd rather agree to disagree and leave it at that. :)
January 20th, 2007 7:36 PM
"I RESPECT YOUR COMMENTS, DO EVERYONE A FAVOR AND RESPECT THIERS POSTED HERE ALSO"
Exactly. No one here should feel ashamed of themselves for having an opinion (good for you for having one!). It is about IW and the controversy, not about the commentators.
January 21st, 2007 2:25 AM
"Is the difference between "calling" someone that word and "referring" to someone as that word significant? Whether or not he said to his face or behind his back does not change anything"
I completely agree with you. Whether he said it to his face or behind his back is irrelevant because he still said it and it was still refering to T.R. On top of the fact that he was fighting with another castmate. I don't understand why another castmate has to be brought into a fight that doesn't involve him.
And I go back to my comment about the n-word. Both are deeming words and to certain types of people both are offensive. I'm sure that IW as at least once in his life been called the n-word and I'm sure that he didn't like it. So why would he call T.R. the f-word? Obviously, T.R. isn't going to like being called that either.
I also don't understand why this had to be brought up again months later. I'm sure the situation hadn't calmed on set but it had calmed in the media and by IW taking the mic and talking about it again it's brought it all into the lime light.
I will continue to watch Grey's whether IW is fired or not. I love the show and since he isn't the reason I watch I could really careless whether he is there or not. I don't necessarly think he should be fired but I do think that something should be done rather than just a public apology. They've basically given him a slap on the wrist and said, "don't do it again." That's not right! That pretty much portrays to the fans of the show and the people that know about this fight that it is okay to call someone an offensive name when it's not.
My point with the n-word argument was that people would be making a bigger deal had IW been called the n-word than they are now. Somebody would've definately been punished for it in some way. After all the creator of Grey's made a bigger deal when this first happened and people suggested firing IW and replacing him with another black actor. She said something along the lines that she was appalled that viewers would think that it's perfectly normal to replace one black actor with another.
And I agree with Kitty6464, T.R. has been the bigger man in all this because in this day an age you could sue for defamation of character and he hasn't. The most he's done is gone on Ellen DeGeneres to talk about it. Well IW talked about it on Opera so isn't that about the same thing. Both went to go talk about it on the show they felt the most comfortable on.
January 21st, 2007 1:10 PM
well, i didn't format that message well, but you get the point. here is the one with girls and george
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sotAfH4BJQ
January 21st, 2007 1:50 PM
I do respect the people on this website and their opnions even when I don't agree with them. Some people, however, post inaccurate information about what happened and make absolutely hateful comments about Isaiah Washington based on information that is at best only partially known. It is clear that Isaiah and TR have a different version of what happened back in October. It would be great if they could work out between themselves what actually happened and why and get past it. Isaiah should not have used the term he used whether to someone else or to TR. If TR was offended by the use of the word it might have been better to discuss it with Isaiah and get it worked out rather than having a press conference to talk about being gay and talking about it again on a talk show. Neither man has acted in the best interest of the show and the fans, and in my opinion Katherine Heigl does not help by taking sides. These are both her castmates. She told Ellen initially that she wasn't on the set. It is sad all the way around and I hope they come to terms with it and move on so that we can, too.
Milly, I do think there is a difference. I don't think Isaiah would have used that word to TRs face, because I don't think he is a hateful man who would have set out to hurt TR. He should not have used the word at all, I agree with you. But, yes, I do think there is a difference because the hurt was unintentional and not directed at TR.
January 21st, 2007 5:59 PM
I wonder if BB is a close personal friend of IW, or how she can read his mind.
It seems to me she thinks she knows what his intent was, when he himself says he can't explain it.
Others react to what they saw on Golden Globes night. If IW himself can admit in a statement that he marred what should have been a great evening for the cast, why can't she? If he says he regrets what he did, why does BB keep saying it was unintentional, and so on and so forth...
January 21st, 2007 8:34 PM
Thank you "Burke Backer". In light of your response, allow me to clear up something.
Whether or not the intention was negative, has no bearing on the fact that it caused a social disruption. As mild as it may seem to some, it is important to others who says what, and why they say it. The art of free speech, like anything else, has its loopholes. IW found it necessary to use that right and say something that would later be seen as inappropriate. We are granted free speech with the hope that we as adults will understand that everything, including words, have their place in society.
Regardless of his motive, regardless of his mindset at the time of the incident, the comment was said not only once, but twice; in two different settings and seasons, by the same person. It's not so bad that he uttered this tasteless and ignorant word, but the fact that it had "supposedly" been quashed and then it was repeated some 4 months later is really what created the hooplah.
If it matters to you the intent of a person's actions, remember that the next time you hear about someone having a car accident and fleeing the scene. They probably didn't mean to run into someone, but if they run and cower, then it's obvious they had no "intent" on owning to it, either. Think about it. IW said it, then he apologized. He brought it up again. Not T.R., nor anyone else from the show mentioned that word again. IW brought it up at a photo shoot that should have been for the celebration of the show's success. Nobody asked him anything....HE SAID IT AGAIN ON HIS OWN!!
If he's that hungry for attention, he's in the right business, but he needs to exercise a little class.
Thank you and good nite.
January 21st, 2007 8:49 PM
T.R. was a complete...COMPLETE (I say) gentleman. You can never tell a person's character until they are made to respond to something. He proved to me that he's got class. The comment in question was discussed and it was decided by T.R. that it was nothing to get worked up over. Yes, it was painful, and as an "educated" man, I find it hard to believe that IW could've even thought about the word without associating pain with it.
It's a DERROGATORY word. With education, knowledge is supposed to ensue. With knowledge, comes compassion and understanding. With compassion and understanding, comes patience and tolerance.
Unless IW is from another planet, he is, by right, a poor representative for Harvard.
I'm sorry, I like the guy, but I despise his action, and I am ashamed of him for denying his fault and
later trying to gain acceptance by "dramatically" apologizing, only after the ABC head officers get involved.
Had the shoe been on the other foot; all hell would still be breaking loose. Everybody from Al Sharpton to Rosa Parks' grandchildren would be shaken by such bitterness and disrespect.
Television has created a great deal of entertainment, but it has also caused a great deal of discomfort among those of us who are trying to preserve the humanity between men.
There are plenty of things in this country for us to be "rattled" about; but this is just proof that even a seemingly small comment can make ripples in an already-disturbed pond.
To Shonda, I hope this can be resolved and things can get back to normal. It does mean alot to some of us that language has truly gone too far.
January 21st, 2007 9:18 PM
Hi Fran, I think he is very sorry for marring what should have been a happy occasion by responding to the reporter. I also think he is very sorry that anyone thinks he intentionally set out to hurt TR Knight. Nothing that I have said is inconsistent with Isaiah's apology.
January 21st, 2007 9:23 PM
Hello Kitty, I hear what you are saying, but Isaiah didn't bring it up. Ted from Eonline did. At their moment of celebration the first question he asked was about Isaiah's homophobic slur. Isaiah was trying to clarify that he did not call TR the slur. He was not calling him a name in that situation, but rather trying to end the constant questioning about it.
January 21st, 2007 9:33 PM
Just a slight correction, Isaiah graduated from Howard University in Washington DC, not Harvard. I so agree with you, Kitty. I hope Shonda and everyone else associated with GA are able to settle the bad feelings and hurt that this entire incident has caused for many people including both Isaiah and TR. You and I will have to agree to disagree about the motives of both Isaiah and TR in this situation, Kitty. Really, the only one who had anything to gain from all of this is actually the media hounds who would not let it die the first time and brought it up yet again after the GGs.
January 21st, 2007 10:36 PM
I have been absolutely impressed with this show and it's following. I felt that all the characters and those of you who play them posses the utmost in sensitivity and appreciation for one another, until that statement at the Golden Globes. Isiah, as an African American who may or may not have experienced someones use of a word for the strick purpose to hurt you and belittle, I thought you might have the sensitivity to understand the road that T.R. must take as a member of a community that is not looked upon in this world as equal. As a man, you should have known better and as an African American, you should have been sensitive. As an African American and gay male, I am disappointed in your choice of words to deny the accusation of your use of the word in the first place. There are enough people in the world that will use that word with such evil and grotesque infliction of pain, please don't join them and destroy the beautiful representation that Grey's Anatomy gives the fans every Thursday night. I was so impressed with you on Oprah and all that you had to say. Please, please, please remind yourself of those words and live up to them. Be the man you can be and accept those different then you regardless of your personal beliefs. Strive to be the solution and not a part of the problem.
January 22nd, 2007 1:57 AM
guys! here's the link of the actual press room interview in last week's golden globe....i think the question was directed to shonda. and then IW grab the microphone. If he just let it go, and leave the answering to shonda it wouldn't have not grown this BIG.
http://www.hfpa.org/videogallery/video/49556/index.htm
look at PDs reaction, so uneasy..though i haven't seen Kat and TR's reactionl
January 22nd, 2007 1:59 AM
if you can't view it try going to YAHOOtv its there.
January 22nd, 2007 12:32 PM
I have kept my mouth shut on this matter long enough to process it. I understand the hurt and impact that one word can cause a person, but we have to remember that it is just that....A WORD! I respect both T.R. and Isaiah. I do agree that Isaiah was wrong for using the F word. It is a derogatory word and should never be used. It is right up there for the N word! However, I do think that it was wrong for T.R. to go on Ellen and say that Isaiah using the word "forced" him to come out and speak openly about his sexual orientation. T.R. CHOSE to come out! No one person or word MADE him come out. Now I do not know if he did it to boast his popularity or what, but he should have never said that comment on Ellen. I am also very disappointed in Katherine for speaking about Isaiah's remarks at the Golden Globes. No other cast member, writer, or producer spoke about the incident to reporters after it happened, but she just had to say something to add fuel to the fire. I hate to say this, but T.R. is a grown man and needs to stand up for himself. He does not need Katherine or anyone else to argue or speak in his behave. I truly believe that ABC and Shonda Rhimes know that if Isaiah is fired that the ratings will go down. Not just because of the harsh consequence, but statistics have shown that anytime cast members are traded out or moved around that the ratings go down. Everyone should be an adult about the situation. Isaiah did apologize and that is a start. I believe that if everyone was punsihed that severely for a slip of the tongue or for just speaking for thinking...we would be really bad off. We all have said or done things that have not been appropriate at times, but come on people....enough is enough. Remember that you never know what people are truly saying behind the privacy of their own homes and then come and smile in your face. Take this incident as a learning experience. Thanks and God Bless!
January 22nd, 2007 4:08 PM
even if he did people what is the problem i dot have anything against gays but they are considered faggot as well so what is the problem. people wakew up and use ur time more wisely our soilders are ding for no reason why dont we work on getting bush out of office so that we can save whatever troops we have left rather to waste time because washington called knight a faggot. it is true anyway so what is the fuss?
January 22nd, 2007 9:02 PM
To bad everyone in America hates the truth. These people act together. Key word act. They don't have to like each other. If T.R. was so upset about being called a faggot, then maybe he should stop being one. I'm not saying what took place at the Golden Globes was at the right place or time. But Isiah Washington has the right to his feelings. It caused no physical harm, and in my opinion brought more attention to a show that has a considerable amount already. Going on a certain someones television show to cry about being called a faggot is pretty pathetic. Thats like going to a beauty pageant and becoming upset because someone told you that you are pretty.
January 25th, 2007 7:36 PM
ok....
It seems that hollywood is some how immune to the rules and actions of the real world. Could you imagine going to work and refering to a coworker as a f!@ or the n word. I wouldnt be able to go into "homophobia rehab" or whatever crazy publicity crap they are trying to sell the public. I would be looking for another job end of story. In this day in age we can not tolerate actions like this.
Whats next... Someone robs a bank and pleads not guilty by reason of alcoholism and jumps into rehab?
The rules of the real world should apply to hollywood. period.
January 30th, 2007 9:34 AM
I. W. forgot that he is in Hollyweird. In Hollyweird Jews, gays and mafia control what's on TV. People have disagreement at work all the time. Some people even have affairs. We all know someone at work we can't stand. I hear people use profanity in the work place and no one is fire for that. I can only assume I. W. was telling Dempsey that he is not a sissy (f-word). I. W. had to put Dempsey's ass in check. T. R. said I. W. referred to him as a faggot. I. W. didn't directly call him a fag. If T. R. has a problem with that, he should have dealt with I. W. right then and there. Yes, I. W. could have used a different word but I. W. is a grown ass man. I. W. has apologized. If ABC was going to fire him, they should have done it 2 or 3 months ago. We all have said and done things we are not proud of. So stop being hypocrisy. Sorry people you can just simply replace one black actor for another. He is a major part of the show. I think he is very attractive and an excellent actor. I. W. has a right to make a living. I don't think he should be fire. If they do, the show will not be the same. We don't know what really happen only the people who were there knows. Someone on the set leak the story that's how T. R. was outted Maybe it was Katherine Heigel. What is ABC going to do about Katherine. She was talking about kicking I. W. ass. Now she is demonstrating violence in the workplace. Will she be fire? No. I also feel T. R. needs to man up and fight his own battles. Don't go on Ellen and Rosie's show and whined that someone said faggot. Be a man and fight your own battles. No matter where you go. You are gonna hear a slur or cussing of some sort. Everyone has prejudices and stereotypes. I don't want my son to hear profanity but we walk out our door. People use it. What they are doing to I. W. is a modern day lynching. I don't watch the show and I don't think it's right he is receiving all this blacklash. We need to learn how to be more tolerance. Show the same compassion you had for Michael Richards AKA Kramer to I. W. Let differences create respects not conflict. Do the right thing people. Get over it and let it go.