I don't think he should be fired... but something HAS to be done.. after all IW has a history of violence.. you can't keep giving people chances when they're known to be volatile... TR overheard IW calling him that, so even if it was 'behind his back', he still heard it for himself and that doesn't make it any less hurtful than if he'd been adressed to his face like that. He was forced to put his sexuality in the limelight when he may not even have been ready because of this incident.. IW isn't the victim here.
I do see Isaiah as the victim here. He is the one being condemned, not TR. One would think he was Jack the Ripper for using a term that was at one time used pretty consistently as a slang word for gay. Everyone has jumped to support and defend Knight. TR was not forced to do anything. He chose to publicly discuss his sexual preference. Isaiah didn't force him to do that. As for the history of violence, are you referring to the two people who came out of the woodwork with stories never before told or shared until the argument last October? Two people who saw an opportunity and sold their stories to the tabloids to make a buck at Isaiah's expense? Who is the victim? It is good advice to consider the source when reading something printed in a tabloid. It is not a reputable source for the truth. I'm not saying Isaiah was right in everything that he did. I am saying he is not nearly as bad as people are making him out to be.
karen Says:
January 18th, 2007 1:42 AM
serioulsy, this is not another publicity stunt , is it?
I know grey needs the publicity, but i hope it is not this type of publicity...although in show biz..they do seem to believe that no publicity is bad publicity
melissa Says:
January 18th, 2007 2:39 AM
I agree with you Burke Backer on what you said it does seem like he is the victim here and I believe that he was trying to clear the air about what really happened and what was said and instead it just came out all wrong. I think he was basically tired of being the butt of everyone's jokes(if you watched E! red carpet special Ryan Seacrest made a joke about how Patrick arrived sepreatly to avoid him and was he going to hit anyone. Ryan was joking but still BAD joke)
If you watch the golden globes backstage clip he never callled t.r. the "f" word. he may have used it twice but when he first used it, it was in the fight with Patrick and he said"I am not your little "f" to Patrick(and basically the fight was about how patrick was getting more attention then the other castmates were just like how on e.r George Clooney was always getting all the attention despite the entire cast being amazing the press always acted as if he were the star of the show).
However he should apologize for using that word and after that he should find another way of clearing his name. Like doing a real sit down and saying what really happened. Or just dropping it and letting the public and media think what they want as long as the cast knows the REAL truth.
This is like a bad car accident that you know you have to look away from but you can't. And if anything my heart really does go out to him and I wish that I had paid close attention to the clip that was aired on Access Hollywood before I had made my stupid comment on the other previous page.
Let's just get back to enjoying the show instead of paying one more ounce of attention to this honest mistake.
sister grey Says:
January 18th, 2007 3:46 AM
I think this should stop sounds like kindergarten to me. Who has never said anything that they regret later and then eventually deny it! Ever heard a christian saying something unappropriate about a muslim, a muslim saying something unappropriate about a jew, a jew saying something unappropriate about a gay or lesbian, a gay or a lesbian saying something unappropriate about african person, an african person saying your country would be a better place without the "whites". etc. etc. I've heard it all in my long life the human being is far from perfect. Seems that all the fuss is just feeding the birds. I do love TR he is a great actor and his private life is none of anyones business. I do appreciate IW so let's focus on the vital issues of this planet. Learn to forgive says the bible no?
Jackie Says:
January 18th, 2007 4:45 AM
I am truly a Grey's Anatomy die hard fan. I love IW's role. However, I think that he should be disciplined in some manner for his unprofessional behavior. He is "cocky" and seems to not want to miss an opportunity to keep this mess alive. I think he said it and he would not like it if the shoe was on the other foot. As a matter of fact, he should be more sensitive to matters of this type than most. I'm sure he has had to deal with descriminating issues in his lifetime. I'm so disappointed in him!
Bonnie M Says:
January 18th, 2007 5:06 AM
It's old news and there were other ways for him to deal with it. It can be frustrating to make a mistake and people not letting it go. If T.R. and Isaiah have some personal issues they need to address them in private. I just don't think it should be made public because it will just keep growing and growing. Who's bussiness is it anyway besides the people directly involved. There are a lot worse things going on in the world for people to be focused on one persons bad choice of words.
greyviewer Says:
January 18th, 2007 5:41 AM
I have never liked IW as I do now. He made a mistake, but when you are angry you can say things you don't want or believe in. It happens to everybody. And TR's show on Ellen was disgusting. I have gay friends and I don't like discrmination, but this is not discrimination. IW apologized once, please let him live and do his great job. He shouldn't be fired. Ga wouldn't be the same without him
jane Says:
January 18th, 2007 5:46 AM
I have loved ones, who are gay and I stick with IW. He is a victim now and TR's way of dealing with his homosexuality surely doesn't help this cause.He is very embarassed about it. IW should have been more careful, but human being make mistakes. He has been accused of this for months, I understand he was tired and frustrated.
kiara Says:
January 18th, 2007 5:48 AM
Go Isaiah! I am with you! everybody makes mistakes. And next time be quiet, please. I couldn't watch grey without you.
Frances Says:
January 18th, 2007 7:28 AM
As I read these comments, I find some of you amazingly lenient ! The word used by Isaiah Washington is a term of contempt. Period.
I agree with Ms. Heigl that he should learn to avoid speaking in public. If he had let Shonda Rhimes answer the question at the Golden Globes, the fire would not have been ignited again.
I quite liked Sarah's comment about prolonging Burke's recuperation in the show.
I also thing that T.R. Knight is a very classy man, as is P. Dempsey.
franci Says:
January 18th, 2007 9:12 AM
Nobody says that the word IW used is fine. He made a mistake and he apologized. It was a bad choice of word, that often happens in real life, even with the people you love. At the GG, he tried to defend himself, not to offend anybody. He should have dealt with it better. But he has been accused for months and nobody let it go. He might have been tired.
I don't find TR classy because he clearly enjoys being the victim and as greyviewer said his show on ellen was pathetic.
kirsty Says:
January 18th, 2007 9:17 AM
My brother is gay and I know what it means being discriminated. But he finds worse when TR went to parties with girls to hide his sexuality than the word IW used. The discrimination starts when you are ashamed of who you are and try to hide it. Please don't be an hero on Ellen now, to enjoy the media and the support.
IW shut up, in your interest. "Faggot" is a slur, but sometimes when it's used, it's not meant to offend or being discriminatory. He apologized. Move on.
melissa would you please tell me where you found out about the gist of the conversation because no where have i been able to come across that info. IF it happened the way you described then everyone owes IW an apology i think. Again IF that was the way it came about, that the word was merely spoken and not directed at TRK, then TRK brought all this attention on himself by being overly sensitive. However, i don't think we'll ever really have the full story. c'est la vie (such is life) they should all rise above and move on. and thanks purple for the link to the interview ;)
just want to clarify my last post by saying that my opinion of the situation was altered because of the post by melissa above. it totally put a new light on the whole story.
IWISAJERK Says:
January 18th, 2007 9:32 AM
Washington should be fired. If HE had been called a name (and we all know which name)by anyone on the show they would be long gone and hard to find. The guy isn't good looking or that much of an actor that he couldn't be replaced by someone waaaaay hotter. Dump the ugly bigot IW.
chillpill Says:
January 18th, 2007 9:50 AM
I think this is the price that is paid for being a celebrity. I admire Shonda and the rest of the cast for trying to keep it under wraps because it's nobody's business. I was a little suprised at the latest developments with the public aknowledgements... This should be dealt with behind closed doors and with only the ones involved. IW would definitely have done better not to speak, but which of us haven't said something wrong at one point or the other. I'm not condoning the word, and yes, I believe if he said it (whether about TR or to PD) there should be consequences...but firing him?? No...I don't agree with that...not unless it continusously happens with no care or concern. So where do you draw the line? No one is perfect.
LA Says:
January 18th, 2007 10:03 AM
Look, I love Burke and the whole Burke/Cristina story line. However, if I said what he said at my job, I'd be gone. It's that simple.
gea Says:
January 18th, 2007 10:57 AM
It's not so easy, at my job, IF I said it to a coworker, nobody would have cared, apart from him. Firing him? It'd be a stupid decision and it'd damage the show in the end. We all have said something stupid or that we have regretted. The important thing is that he apologized. He is a good person, he is involved with the humanitarian aids, the homeless, don't make him a monster for a stupid mistake. It'd be a great hipocrisy
Burke Backer Says:
January 18th, 2007 11:00 AM
"Washington should be fired. If HE had been called a name (and we all know which name)by anyone on the show they would be long gone and hard to find. The guy isn't good looking or that much of an actor that he couldn't be replaced by someone waaaaay hotter. Dump the ugly bigot IW."
You have a right to your opinion, but you have no idea if anyone would be fired for using a racial slur in a moment of anger. That is an assumption that you are making. In terms of IW, it is not necessary to make ugly remarks about his appearance, which I personally find extremely handsome and sexy or by calling him names. Is bigot any more acceptable than faggot?
tracey Says:
January 18th, 2007 11:02 AM
IW, why did you speak? But strangely, I believe him when he said that he hadn't called TR in that way. But even if he used the word, it's nothing more than a bad choice of word in a moment of rage. Discrimination is different. And I don't like people who want to be a victim in every way.
annabelel Says:
January 18th, 2007 11:10 AM
IW is the best actor in the show. His storyline is interesting.
Did he call TR a f...? He denied it, TR confirmed it. I simply don't care. They should be professional and do their job.
What I know is that a wrong word don't make anybody a bad person or a bigot. We weren't there and we don't know the all story. But in my experience, I know that nobody is perfect, people make mistakes. And if he said the word, he apologized and I don't believe he wanted to offend TR, who enjoyed too much being a victim. Another thought KH shut up!
Mike Says:
January 18th, 2007 11:11 AM
If TR were to have called IW the "N" word, he would have been fired ASAP. Equal Opportunity here. They need to let him go. I'm sure Disney will do something drastic because they are a very friendly towards equality and acceptance of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Trans-genders. I am offended by what he said.
Clara Says:
January 18th, 2007 11:36 AM
I think too that Disney will fire him, but I simply don't agree. We don't know what would have happened if TR had said this word to IW. It's your assumption. I have gay friends, that aren't offended and imho IW made a big mistake.I don't justify him, but mistakes can be forgiven.He isn't a bigot for a word. I wouldn't fire him.
Estrella Says:
January 18th, 2007 11:52 AM
What is wrong with this guy?Wasington just cant keep his mouth shot! He gives me a headache. Stop acting like a lil kid!
January 18th, 2007 12:00 AM
I don't think he should be fired... but something HAS to be done.. after all IW has a history of violence.. you can't keep giving people chances when they're known to be volatile... TR overheard IW calling him that, so even if it was 'behind his back', he still heard it for himself and that doesn't make it any less hurtful than if he'd been adressed to his face like that. He was forced to put his sexuality in the limelight when he may not even have been ready because of this incident.. IW isn't the victim here.
January 18th, 2007 12:40 AM
I do see Isaiah as the victim here. He is the one being condemned, not TR. One would think he was Jack the Ripper for using a term that was at one time used pretty consistently as a slang word for gay. Everyone has jumped to support and defend Knight. TR was not forced to do anything. He chose to publicly discuss his sexual preference. Isaiah didn't force him to do that. As for the history of violence, are you referring to the two people who came out of the woodwork with stories never before told or shared until the argument last October? Two people who saw an opportunity and sold their stories to the tabloids to make a buck at Isaiah's expense? Who is the victim? It is good advice to consider the source when reading something printed in a tabloid. It is not a reputable source for the truth. I'm not saying Isaiah was right in everything that he did. I am saying he is not nearly as bad as people are making him out to be.
January 18th, 2007 1:42 AM
serioulsy, this is not another publicity stunt , is it?
I know grey needs the publicity, but i hope it is not this type of publicity...although in show biz..they do seem to believe that no publicity is bad publicity
January 18th, 2007 2:39 AM
I agree with you Burke Backer on what you said it does seem like he is the victim here and I believe that he was trying to clear the air about what really happened and what was said and instead it just came out all wrong. I think he was basically tired of being the butt of everyone's jokes(if you watched E! red carpet special Ryan Seacrest made a joke about how Patrick arrived sepreatly to avoid him and was he going to hit anyone. Ryan was joking but still BAD joke)
If you watch the golden globes backstage clip he never callled t.r. the "f" word. he may have used it twice but when he first used it, it was in the fight with Patrick and he said"I am not your little "f" to Patrick(and basically the fight was about how patrick was getting more attention then the other castmates were just like how on e.r George Clooney was always getting all the attention despite the entire cast being amazing the press always acted as if he were the star of the show).
However he should apologize for using that word and after that he should find another way of clearing his name. Like doing a real sit down and saying what really happened. Or just dropping it and letting the public and media think what they want as long as the cast knows the REAL truth.
This is like a bad car accident that you know you have to look away from but you can't. And if anything my heart really does go out to him and I wish that I had paid close attention to the clip that was aired on Access Hollywood before I had made my stupid comment on the other previous page.
Let's just get back to enjoying the show instead of paying one more ounce of attention to this honest mistake.
January 18th, 2007 3:46 AM
I think this should stop sounds like kindergarten to me. Who has never said anything that they regret later and then eventually deny it! Ever heard a christian saying something unappropriate about a muslim, a muslim saying something unappropriate about a jew, a jew saying something unappropriate about a gay or lesbian, a gay or a lesbian saying something unappropriate about african person, an african person saying your country would be a better place without the "whites". etc. etc. I've heard it all in my long life the human being is far from perfect. Seems that all the fuss is just feeding the birds. I do love TR he is a great actor and his private life is none of anyones business. I do appreciate IW so let's focus on the vital issues of this planet. Learn to forgive says the bible no?
January 18th, 2007 4:45 AM
I am truly a Grey's Anatomy die hard fan. I love IW's role. However, I think that he should be disciplined in some manner for his unprofessional behavior. He is "cocky" and seems to not want to miss an opportunity to keep this mess alive. I think he said it and he would not like it if the shoe was on the other foot. As a matter of fact, he should be more sensitive to matters of this type than most. I'm sure he has had to deal with descriminating issues in his lifetime. I'm so disappointed in him!
January 18th, 2007 5:06 AM
It's old news and there were other ways for him to deal with it. It can be frustrating to make a mistake and people not letting it go. If T.R. and Isaiah have some personal issues they need to address them in private. I just don't think it should be made public because it will just keep growing and growing. Who's bussiness is it anyway besides the people directly involved. There are a lot worse things going on in the world for people to be focused on one persons bad choice of words.
January 18th, 2007 5:41 AM
I have never liked IW as I do now. He made a mistake, but when you are angry you can say things you don't want or believe in. It happens to everybody. And TR's show on Ellen was disgusting. I have gay friends and I don't like discrmination, but this is not discrimination. IW apologized once, please let him live and do his great job. He shouldn't be fired. Ga wouldn't be the same without him
January 18th, 2007 5:46 AM
I have loved ones, who are gay and I stick with IW. He is a victim now and TR's way of dealing with his homosexuality surely doesn't help this cause.He is very embarassed about it. IW should have been more careful, but human being make mistakes. He has been accused of this for months, I understand he was tired and frustrated.
January 18th, 2007 5:48 AM
Go Isaiah! I am with you! everybody makes mistakes. And next time be quiet, please. I couldn't watch grey without you.
January 18th, 2007 7:28 AM
As I read these comments, I find some of you amazingly lenient ! The word used by Isaiah Washington is a term of contempt. Period.
I agree with Ms. Heigl that he should learn to avoid speaking in public. If he had let Shonda Rhimes answer the question at the Golden Globes, the fire would not have been ignited again.
I quite liked Sarah's comment about prolonging Burke's recuperation in the show.
I also thing that T.R. Knight is a very classy man, as is P. Dempsey.
January 18th, 2007 9:12 AM
Nobody says that the word IW used is fine. He made a mistake and he apologized. It was a bad choice of word, that often happens in real life, even with the people you love. At the GG, he tried to defend himself, not to offend anybody. He should have dealt with it better. But he has been accused for months and nobody let it go. He might have been tired.
I don't find TR classy because he clearly enjoys being the victim and as greyviewer said his show on ellen was pathetic.
January 18th, 2007 9:17 AM
My brother is gay and I know what it means being discriminated. But he finds worse when TR went to parties with girls to hide his sexuality than the word IW used. The discrimination starts when you are ashamed of who you are and try to hide it. Please don't be an hero on Ellen now, to enjoy the media and the support.
IW shut up, in your interest. "Faggot" is a slur, but sometimes when it's used, it's not meant to offend or being discriminatory. He apologized. Move on.
January 18th, 2007 9:17 AM
melissa would you please tell me where you found out about the gist of the conversation because no where have i been able to come across that info. IF it happened the way you described then everyone owes IW an apology i think. Again IF that was the way it came about, that the word was merely spoken and not directed at TRK, then TRK brought all this attention on himself by being overly sensitive. However, i don't think we'll ever really have the full story. c'est la vie (such is life) they should all rise above and move on. and thanks purple for the link to the interview ;)
January 18th, 2007 9:21 AM
just want to clarify my last post by saying that my opinion of the situation was altered because of the post by melissa above. it totally put a new light on the whole story.
January 18th, 2007 9:32 AM
Washington should be fired. If HE had been called a name (and we all know which name)by anyone on the show they would be long gone and hard to find. The guy isn't good looking or that much of an actor that he couldn't be replaced by someone waaaaay hotter. Dump the ugly bigot IW.
January 18th, 2007 9:50 AM
I think this is the price that is paid for being a celebrity. I admire Shonda and the rest of the cast for trying to keep it under wraps because it's nobody's business. I was a little suprised at the latest developments with the public aknowledgements... This should be dealt with behind closed doors and with only the ones involved. IW would definitely have done better not to speak, but which of us haven't said something wrong at one point or the other. I'm not condoning the word, and yes, I believe if he said it (whether about TR or to PD) there should be consequences...but firing him?? No...I don't agree with that...not unless it continusously happens with no care or concern. So where do you draw the line? No one is perfect.
January 18th, 2007 10:03 AM
Look, I love Burke and the whole Burke/Cristina story line. However, if I said what he said at my job, I'd be gone. It's that simple.
January 18th, 2007 10:57 AM
It's not so easy, at my job, IF I said it to a coworker, nobody would have cared, apart from him. Firing him? It'd be a stupid decision and it'd damage the show in the end. We all have said something stupid or that we have regretted. The important thing is that he apologized. He is a good person, he is involved with the humanitarian aids, the homeless, don't make him a monster for a stupid mistake. It'd be a great hipocrisy
January 18th, 2007 11:00 AM
"Washington should be fired. If HE had been called a name (and we all know which name)by anyone on the show they would be long gone and hard to find. The guy isn't good looking or that much of an actor that he couldn't be replaced by someone waaaaay hotter. Dump the ugly bigot IW."
You have a right to your opinion, but you have no idea if anyone would be fired for using a racial slur in a moment of anger. That is an assumption that you are making. In terms of IW, it is not necessary to make ugly remarks about his appearance, which I personally find extremely handsome and sexy or by calling him names. Is bigot any more acceptable than faggot?
January 18th, 2007 11:02 AM
IW, why did you speak? But strangely, I believe him when he said that he hadn't called TR in that way. But even if he used the word, it's nothing more than a bad choice of word in a moment of rage. Discrimination is different. And I don't like people who want to be a victim in every way.
January 18th, 2007 11:10 AM
IW is the best actor in the show. His storyline is interesting.
Did he call TR a f...? He denied it, TR confirmed it. I simply don't care. They should be professional and do their job.
What I know is that a wrong word don't make anybody a bad person or a bigot. We weren't there and we don't know the all story. But in my experience, I know that nobody is perfect, people make mistakes. And if he said the word, he apologized and I don't believe he wanted to offend TR, who enjoyed too much being a victim. Another thought KH shut up!
January 18th, 2007 11:11 AM
If TR were to have called IW the "N" word, he would have been fired ASAP. Equal Opportunity here. They need to let him go. I'm sure Disney will do something drastic because they are a very friendly towards equality and acceptance of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Trans-genders. I am offended by what he said.
January 18th, 2007 11:36 AM
I think too that Disney will fire him, but I simply don't agree. We don't know what would have happened if TR had said this word to IW. It's your assumption. I have gay friends, that aren't offended and imho IW made a big mistake.I don't justify him, but mistakes can be forgiven.He isn't a bigot for a word. I wouldn't fire him.
January 18th, 2007 11:52 AM
What is wrong with this guy?Wasington just cant keep his mouth shot! He gives me a headache. Stop acting like a lil kid!