I NEVER SAID or IMPLIED that this issue was about race. All I said was that some of you act as though IW couldn't be replaced by another fine African-American actor. There are many. Taye Diggs comes to mind. So does
Cuba Gooding's brother (is it Omar?) also, Omar Epps, even though he's working on 'House' now. You get the point.
All I'm saying is, IF IW hadn't just apologized (again) then he should have been fired by Disney and another African-American actor could have replaced him. That's all.
I agree that Katy Heigl should have kept her anger and her opinion to herself. Actually, the only person who had the right to say anything about the statement IW made at the Globes (and the impact of it) was TR Knight, as this DIRECTLY affected him. Katy Heigl just made things worse. TR can fight his own fights.
jason rodriguez Says:
January 19th, 2007 11:55 AM
well he should get fired..
thats what happens when you hired black people, they are good for nothing
they should be slaves just like god wanted them to be
and not out in public acting like monkeys.
mo-lama Says:
January 19th, 2007 12:00 PM
Burke and Christina are my favorite characters and Isaiah and Sandra my favorite actors on the show. That said, I think the problem is no longer one about issues, but practical -- how can you put on a show that depends on an ensemble cast when every member of that cast now loathes Isaiah? Issues aside, someone who would rush to the front of the cast, grab the microphone from his boss and say what he said is not operating rationally. He is unstable, not in control of his impulses and very self-destructive. All he had to do was stay in the back row for five minutes, smile and let Shondra handle it, and he'd be a big star for years to come. Now this very fine actor will be poison in Hollywood. He didn't hurt T.R. or gays by what he did. He hurt his show, he hurt his network, he hurt his own career and by extension his wife and the many charitable causes he has used his celebrity to help. This guy must think he doesn't deserve success and is doing everything possible to sabotage himself. I hope he sees a good therapist soon and often, because he's talented and has wonderful ideals. But clearly he is very troubled inside, and so his co-workers won't ever feel comfortable working with him again. Good acting requires trust among the actors. That is gone.
Carol Says:
January 19th, 2007 1:31 PM
Mo-Lama, your post makes the most sense of anyone's here. I don't think it will be long now, IW will leave GA on his own due to on-set attitudes toward him. I wouldn't be surprised if the atmosphere of GA is not exactly 'family' now, and IW will leave. I give him until the middle of next year. Yes, summer of 2008. Let's see what happens.
Arthur Wooten Says:
January 19th, 2007 2:50 PM
I was waffling on the issue of him being fired until he came clean and admitted that he was lying all along. Now, without a doubt, Mr. Washington should be fired on the spot. Apologies or not - he said the negative remark in the first place. Denied it. Denied it again using the "F" word at the Globes and now he says he's sorry. OUT THE DOOR , NOW!
Leylak - how can you say this is a PR stunt my TR? IW was the one who brought the whole thing up again.
K Schultz Says:
January 19th, 2007 3:31 PM
If this had stayed between the two people it should have, obviously Knight and Washington, all would be well, wouldn't it? But, we must air and wear our emotions on our sleeves, apparently it makes good press. Instead of being adults and working it out, apologizing and moving on, we act like children. I believe that the character of Dr. Torez said it best, "If you would stop acting like a toddler and use your words....." Washington using terms like this was wrong. Yes. Knight crying to the world instead of talking to Washington....well, he should have used his words. I'm saddened. I really enjoy this show. Mo-Lama may be right. It may very well be the beginning of the end unless something is done soon BY the two people who should have taken care of it in the first place. Just a thought, would Knight's job be threatened if he had called Washington a N-----?
how about Taye Diggs? Says:
January 19th, 2007 5:34 PM
Taye Diggs would be HOT as Burke.
Classy Says:
January 19th, 2007 6:26 PM
All I have to say is, please DO NOT fire Isaiah Washington. I believe that he did not call T.R. Knight the "f" word. No way, no how.
peter cummings Says:
January 19th, 2007 7:02 PM
iw should not be fired it is only a TV show!!!!!!!
Dee Dee Says:
January 19th, 2007 7:54 PM
I vote to fire Washington and belive that the network has a legal responsibility to protect T. R. Knight from a hostile workplace. Washington has created a hostile environment in the workplace and by doing so has violated policy. Washington is apparently a loose cannon and has no common sense or discretion. Whatever their differences are, any fool knows that the Golden Globe Awards is not the forum to settle it. I stand up for T.R. Knight. Washington should be canned!
kgirl Says:
January 19th, 2007 10:39 PM
What would have happened if someone on the set used the "n" to IW? They are all harmful names, one is not worse that the other....
Amy Says:
January 19th, 2007 10:48 PM
It is over let it go! Stick and stones people! He didnt hurt him. We don't know if he really said it we were not there.
Jason - Do you have your papers!! You sound ignorant.
Burke Backer Says:
January 19th, 2007 10:56 PM
I wonder how many times Isaiah was asked about the incident on the set since last October. Do you think hundreds? or even more. He had an argument with Patrick Dempsey. In the heat of the argument he used an inappropriate term. He apologized for the altercation with Patrick and also apologized to TR because the inapproprite term he used offended Knight. End of story. Right? Wrong. The media wouldn't let it go. The online reporters wanted blood. They wanted to see Isaiah punished. They brought it up over and over again. They tried their best to instigate his dismissal the last time.
I don't think Isaiah was in any way prepared for the backlash of that one ill chosen word. The level of hatred that was thrown at him I am sure was a complete shock. We have no knowledge that Isaiah has any kind of animosity towards gay people. He didn't say he hates gays. He has no history of gay bashing. He said he was not gay. If you said to someone, "Oh stop being so gay", would that make you a biggot and a gay hater? Would it have been better if he had said, "I'm not gay, like TR"? Is it reference to TRs gayness or the use of that particular word faggot that makes this so unforgiveable to people? I am sure that Knight is not ashamed of being gay. It is perfectly acceptable, right? So it must be the use of a term that people find derrogatory that makes this one incident so horrible.
In their attempt to look out for the poor, hurt, now must tell the world he is gay TR, no attention was paid to the hurt and confusion that Isaiah must have felt when he became the brunt of all of the hatefulness. He went from the high of being a well respected actor on a hit television show to the villain who forced TR Knight to come out of the closet in a matter of minutes. Shonda made a statement that he would not be fired and even so every gossip website predicted that he would go. Beyond the one statement of support that seemed to be ignored by the Isaiah haters, what was done to help him respond to the media accusations? He was not allowed to tell what actually happened leaving it up to everyone's speculation, rumors, innuendos, and in some cases out right lies.
In responding to the reporters after the GGs he is now being attacked for trying to say he did not call his cast mate a homophobic slur to begin with. It is only because TR is gay that this is an issue. If he said he had not called Patrick Dempsey a homophobic slur people would have heard this as a denial of wrong doing rather than as once again pointing out TRs gayness?
It is sad that Ted from Eonline used that moment of celebration to ask about Isaiah's supposed homophobic slur. It is even sadder that Isaiah felt he had to respond, but completely understandable. According to his website, Ted asked specifically about "Isaiah's homophobic slur". He didn't ask in a general way. He used Isaiah's name in the question. It is not surprising that Isaiah felt he should respond. It was as much as an indictment that what was reported was true. Isaiah merely said it was not ture. He didn't do it in a thoughtful way, but the question came out of the blue. I think everyone was stunned by both the question and the response. Well done, Ted. You certainly got your story at all of our expense because it remains to be seen if GA will stay in tack.
It is very sad for the entire cast. The only ones that I respect at this moment are the ones who have not commented. It was a private argument between castmates that caused a private misunderstanding or unintentional hurt between castmates to begin with. It should have been a private solution that took into consideration the feelings of each person involved including Isaiah's. He has apologized yet again to TR. If it turns out that TR overheard incorrectly, I wonder if he will issue an apology to Isaiah for calling him a liar and making the situation a thousand times worse for his castmate.
In spite of all of this off screen drama, I enjoyed GA last night and again tonight. I enjoyed the beautiful acting of both TR and Isaiah including their scenes together. They are certainly outstanding actors to play the scenes so convincingly as two men who like, respect, and value each other. I hope they are given the opportunity to work through this so that they can have that same comraderie off screen, but if not it is the onscreen relationship that should matter most to the fans of the show.
Milky Jenkins Says:
January 20th, 2007 1:42 AM
I don't think he should be fired, but I would like to see Eric Lasalle play a gay surgen on the set and show Isaiah up...ahh drama.
Diana Smith Says:
January 20th, 2007 9:46 AM
No, I don't think he should be fired. This has been blown out of all proportion, and everybody and their brother feel that they have to chime in even though it should be just between the people who were actually there.
Political correctness is all well and good, but at a certain point it starts to become ridiculous. This debate has gone well past ridiculous and into the ludicrous.
Please, just let it rest.
MB Higgins Says:
January 20th, 2007 10:59 AM
Is everyone ignoring the elephant in the room? Does no one else wonder what Isaiah Washington's response would have been had T.R. McKnight uttered the n***** word in reference to him?
BTW Isaiah Washington's character-bio says he is a thorasic surgeon, please note that his character is a thoracic surgeon.
Sharon Says:
January 20th, 2007 11:40 AM
I feel IW should be fired. I cannot see how the cast can be comfortable and effective in such a work environment. There are surely many talented African-American actors who could do an equally fine job at portraying IW's character. Pehaps one that has tact and integrity. The world is full of all types of people and tolerance is necessary for success no matter what your job may be. As far as his comments at the Golden Globes - it was in very poor taste to bring up a volatile subject such as this and ruin what otherwise should have been a night of celebration for all involved. There are three simple common sense rules that people can use before opening their mouth and putting their foot in it - is the comment true? Is it kind? Is it necessary. If not, keep quiet. Too bad IW doesn't know that. Wonder how he would respond if the shoe was on the other foot and TR said "i never called him a "nigger" which is equally as insulting to those of black heritage. Grey's is a pleasure to watch but I could live without IW on it.
Burke Backer Says:
January 20th, 2007 5:54 PM
Those of Black heritage would not have made nearly the huge deal out of it to begin with as TR. It is impossible to be Black and in the closet. It is not a secret. Nigger is an ugly word and a hurtful word, but certainly more commonly used than faggot. I have known people who have been called nigger by their bosses so don't tell me anyone would have been automatically fired for using the N word. I am so sick and tired of this argument from people who know absolutely nothing about it. I would hope if Isaiah had unintentionally heard someone call him the N word he would have confronted the person with why rather than announcing to the media that because he overheard TR use the N word he now has to admit he is an African American to the world. How foolish is this comment. I would also hope that if Isaiah had heard incorrectly and TR really didn't use that word and tried to correct the misrepresentation to the media, that Isaiah wouldn't have gone crying to the first Black talk show host to say he did and what a powerful word it is.
As for Taye Diggs, Eric LaSalle, every other good looking African American actor on the planet replacing Isaiah, why do you think Burke has to be African American??? He was cast because he was the best actor for the role, not because he was Black. There are many actors GA could bring in of any race, but none could replace Isaiah as Burke. That role is too much assoicated with Isaiah.
I agree with you three rules before opening your mouth, Sharon. But, I don't believe Isaiah was being unkind in denying the accusations. I believe he was being truthful from his perspective. Was it necessary? Not in my mind, but I was not the one being hounded and criticized for months for something that I did not say to TR nor never intended to cause him harm. It is so easy to be judgmental and far more difficult to put yourself in the other persons shoes. One more thing. I also agree with you that it was in very poor taste to bring up the whole thing at the Golden Globes, but Isaiah didn't do that. Ted from Eonline did. Isaiah was merely responding. Shonda would have handled it better and I am sure Isaiah wishes right now that he had let her.
Carol Says:
January 21st, 2007 6:01 PM
The thing I think that eveyone has overlooked in this situation is that IW's original comment caused TR Knight to come out at a time when TR wasn't ready to do so. TR said he is private and wanted to keep his private life to himself. He didn't feel it was necessary, before IW made that 'faggot' comment, for him to come out. Before IW made that comment, coming out was a non-issue for TR. He said his friends and family knew and that was good enough as far as he was concerned.
Well, then IW opened his mouth. So, TR was forced against his will to announce he is gay. How would any of US feel if we were forced by someone else to admit something private? So, this whole thing is not just a big deal because IW said something he shouldn't have...it's a big deal also because IW took out of TR's hands the right to make his decision about when (or if) to come out. Instead of apologizing to GLADD, IW should apologize to TR for doing something that forced a unwelcome major life decision.
Carol Says:
January 21st, 2007 6:13 PM
Burke Backer.....I was the one who posted the comment saying Burke could 'get a job at another hospital' or a comment close to that. And IW could be written off GA. Then, I said that another African-American actor could take IW's place....not AS BURKE--as he would be gone from Seattle Grace...but simply as another doctor. There are people here who don't read comments carefully and they twisted what I said around. I merely said another actor could come in and play a doctor. My idea was he could have a relationship with Yang...but it wouldn't be Preston Burke.
Would the actor NEED to be black? No, of course not. I just came up with some names. Nothing was intended by the names I came up with. The actor could be White, Asian, Hispanic, Black, it doesn't matter. My feeling was, at the time I wrote the post, that IF IW were dropped from GA, (which I doubt will happen--I think in time, IW will leave on his own) it wouldn't be a good idea to have another actor come back as Burke. Wouldn't make sense and GA fans wouldn't adapt to the change.
Burke Backer Says:
January 21st, 2007 10:30 PM
Hi Carol, I don't mean to be argumentative, but I don't understand how Isaiah saying anything on a closed set caused TR to announce that he was gay. Isaiah wasn't out telling the world by way of the Hollywood press than TR was gay. TR couldn't really even explain on Ellen why he decided that he had to come out of the closet after hearing that word associated with him. He had a choice. He could have ignored it or denied it. He chose to announce it. No one forced him. I'm sure that you know that Isaiah has apologized to TR not once but at least twice that we know of. Once privately according to all of the casts' interview on Oprah and again publicaly after the Golden Globes debacle. I don't think this has been forgotten in all of the hoopla, I just don't think it is valid to blame Isaiah for TR's choice. Someone could call me gay in a public place and if it weren't true, I would just say it isn't true. Isaiah referred to TR as gay in a supposedly isolated and protected setting. He should not have done it, but he is not responsible for TR's decision.
Burke Backer Says:
January 21st, 2007 10:43 PM
Hi again, Carol. Thanks for clarifying. I really don't think that Isaiah would leave on his own. He seems to be really happy to be on the show and playing this part from all that I have heard him say either in interview or in articles. In this past month's Ebony he is quoted as saying he is asked about being on Greys and also being the proud father of three young children and he said, "I'm happy as Hell." If the cast is unable to forgive him and move on I suppose that could change pretty quickly, but I truly hope that they can come to an understanding because regardles of what was said and the circumstances, I really do not believe Isaiah has disdain for any of his castmates or meant to offend TR. Other than this one incident and the aftermath culminating in the inappropriate question and response at the Golden Globes, even very private Sandra Oh has mentioned how much they all enjoy working together. I do agree with you though. If Isaiah were to leave the show either voluntarily or because he is asked to leave, no one else could play that role convincingly and it would be better to bring in a totally new character. I think that would be true of any of the primary characters on the show, though, don't you?
Jerry Says:
January 22nd, 2007 8:44 AM
FIRE THE ARROGANT HOMOPHOBE HATEMONGER!
Carol Says:
January 22nd, 2007 3:28 PM
Well, Burke Backer, I agree with your comments. TR was not forced to come out. Yes, TR could have denied it, so this was a media thing. We've all said things in the heat of anger, and have had others say things about us in anger (well, at least that's happened to me) Maybe IW won't leave. I like his acting, so it doesn't matter to me if he leaves on his own or stays. It appears that IW saved his job by apologizing again and saying he'll seek help. Let's hope he does seek help. Yes, any of the primary characters would be difficult to replace and new characters would be needed, as is done on 'ER'.
I think this is about it for me, no more need to post on this subject.
January 19th, 2007 11:03 AM
I NEVER SAID or IMPLIED that this issue was about race. All I said was that some of you act as though IW couldn't be replaced by another fine African-American actor. There are many. Taye Diggs comes to mind. So does
Cuba Gooding's brother (is it Omar?) also, Omar Epps, even though he's working on 'House' now. You get the point.
All I'm saying is, IF IW hadn't just apologized (again) then he should have been fired by Disney and another African-American actor could have replaced him. That's all.
I agree that Katy Heigl should have kept her anger and her opinion to herself. Actually, the only person who had the right to say anything about the statement IW made at the Globes (and the impact of it) was TR Knight, as this DIRECTLY affected him. Katy Heigl just made things worse. TR can fight his own fights.
January 19th, 2007 11:55 AM
well he should get fired..
thats what happens when you hired black people, they are good for nothing
they should be slaves just like god wanted them to be
and not out in public acting like monkeys.
January 19th, 2007 12:00 PM
Burke and Christina are my favorite characters and Isaiah and Sandra my favorite actors on the show. That said, I think the problem is no longer one about issues, but practical -- how can you put on a show that depends on an ensemble cast when every member of that cast now loathes Isaiah? Issues aside, someone who would rush to the front of the cast, grab the microphone from his boss and say what he said is not operating rationally. He is unstable, not in control of his impulses and very self-destructive. All he had to do was stay in the back row for five minutes, smile and let Shondra handle it, and he'd be a big star for years to come. Now this very fine actor will be poison in Hollywood. He didn't hurt T.R. or gays by what he did. He hurt his show, he hurt his network, he hurt his own career and by extension his wife and the many charitable causes he has used his celebrity to help. This guy must think he doesn't deserve success and is doing everything possible to sabotage himself. I hope he sees a good therapist soon and often, because he's talented and has wonderful ideals. But clearly he is very troubled inside, and so his co-workers won't ever feel comfortable working with him again. Good acting requires trust among the actors. That is gone.
January 19th, 2007 1:31 PM
Mo-Lama, your post makes the most sense of anyone's here. I don't think it will be long now, IW will leave GA on his own due to on-set attitudes toward him. I wouldn't be surprised if the atmosphere of GA is not exactly 'family' now, and IW will leave. I give him until the middle of next year. Yes, summer of 2008. Let's see what happens.
January 19th, 2007 2:50 PM
I was waffling on the issue of him being fired until he came clean and admitted that he was lying all along. Now, without a doubt, Mr. Washington should be fired on the spot. Apologies or not - he said the negative remark in the first place. Denied it. Denied it again using the "F" word at the Globes and now he says he's sorry. OUT THE DOOR , NOW!
January 19th, 2007 3:19 PM
Leylak - how can you say this is a PR stunt my TR? IW was the one who brought the whole thing up again.
January 19th, 2007 3:31 PM
If this had stayed between the two people it should have, obviously Knight and Washington, all would be well, wouldn't it? But, we must air and wear our emotions on our sleeves, apparently it makes good press. Instead of being adults and working it out, apologizing and moving on, we act like children. I believe that the character of Dr. Torez said it best, "If you would stop acting like a toddler and use your words....." Washington using terms like this was wrong. Yes. Knight crying to the world instead of talking to Washington....well, he should have used his words. I'm saddened. I really enjoy this show. Mo-Lama may be right. It may very well be the beginning of the end unless something is done soon BY the two people who should have taken care of it in the first place. Just a thought, would Knight's job be threatened if he had called Washington a N-----?
January 19th, 2007 5:34 PM
Taye Diggs would be HOT as Burke.
January 19th, 2007 6:26 PM
All I have to say is, please DO NOT fire Isaiah Washington. I believe that he did not call T.R. Knight the "f" word. No way, no how.
January 19th, 2007 7:02 PM
iw should not be fired it is only a TV show!!!!!!!
January 19th, 2007 7:54 PM
I vote to fire Washington and belive that the network has a legal responsibility to protect T. R. Knight from a hostile workplace. Washington has created a hostile environment in the workplace and by doing so has violated policy. Washington is apparently a loose cannon and has no common sense or discretion. Whatever their differences are, any fool knows that the Golden Globe Awards is not the forum to settle it. I stand up for T.R. Knight. Washington should be canned!
January 19th, 2007 10:39 PM
What would have happened if someone on the set used the "n" to IW? They are all harmful names, one is not worse that the other....
January 19th, 2007 10:48 PM
It is over let it go! Stick and stones people! He didnt hurt him. We don't know if he really said it we were not there.
Jason - Do you have your papers!! You sound ignorant.
January 19th, 2007 10:56 PM
I wonder how many times Isaiah was asked about the incident on the set since last October. Do you think hundreds? or even more. He had an argument with Patrick Dempsey. In the heat of the argument he used an inappropriate term. He apologized for the altercation with Patrick and also apologized to TR because the inapproprite term he used offended Knight. End of story. Right? Wrong. The media wouldn't let it go. The online reporters wanted blood. They wanted to see Isaiah punished. They brought it up over and over again. They tried their best to instigate his dismissal the last time.
I don't think Isaiah was in any way prepared for the backlash of that one ill chosen word. The level of hatred that was thrown at him I am sure was a complete shock. We have no knowledge that Isaiah has any kind of animosity towards gay people. He didn't say he hates gays. He has no history of gay bashing. He said he was not gay. If you said to someone, "Oh stop being so gay", would that make you a biggot and a gay hater? Would it have been better if he had said, "I'm not gay, like TR"? Is it reference to TRs gayness or the use of that particular word faggot that makes this so unforgiveable to people? I am sure that Knight is not ashamed of being gay. It is perfectly acceptable, right? So it must be the use of a term that people find derrogatory that makes this one incident so horrible.
In their attempt to look out for the poor, hurt, now must tell the world he is gay TR, no attention was paid to the hurt and confusion that Isaiah must have felt when he became the brunt of all of the hatefulness. He went from the high of being a well respected actor on a hit television show to the villain who forced TR Knight to come out of the closet in a matter of minutes. Shonda made a statement that he would not be fired and even so every gossip website predicted that he would go. Beyond the one statement of support that seemed to be ignored by the Isaiah haters, what was done to help him respond to the media accusations? He was not allowed to tell what actually happened leaving it up to everyone's speculation, rumors, innuendos, and in some cases out right lies.
In responding to the reporters after the GGs he is now being attacked for trying to say he did not call his cast mate a homophobic slur to begin with. It is only because TR is gay that this is an issue. If he said he had not called Patrick Dempsey a homophobic slur people would have heard this as a denial of wrong doing rather than as once again pointing out TRs gayness?
It is sad that Ted from Eonline used that moment of celebration to ask about Isaiah's supposed homophobic slur. It is even sadder that Isaiah felt he had to respond, but completely understandable. According to his website, Ted asked specifically about "Isaiah's homophobic slur". He didn't ask in a general way. He used Isaiah's name in the question. It is not surprising that Isaiah felt he should respond. It was as much as an indictment that what was reported was true. Isaiah merely said it was not ture. He didn't do it in a thoughtful way, but the question came out of the blue. I think everyone was stunned by both the question and the response. Well done, Ted. You certainly got your story at all of our expense because it remains to be seen if GA will stay in tack.
It is very sad for the entire cast. The only ones that I respect at this moment are the ones who have not commented. It was a private argument between castmates that caused a private misunderstanding or unintentional hurt between castmates to begin with. It should have been a private solution that took into consideration the feelings of each person involved including Isaiah's. He has apologized yet again to TR. If it turns out that TR overheard incorrectly, I wonder if he will issue an apology to Isaiah for calling him a liar and making the situation a thousand times worse for his castmate.
In spite of all of this off screen drama, I enjoyed GA last night and again tonight. I enjoyed the beautiful acting of both TR and Isaiah including their scenes together. They are certainly outstanding actors to play the scenes so convincingly as two men who like, respect, and value each other. I hope they are given the opportunity to work through this so that they can have that same comraderie off screen, but if not it is the onscreen relationship that should matter most to the fans of the show.
January 20th, 2007 1:42 AM
I don't think he should be fired, but I would like to see Eric Lasalle play a gay surgen on the set and show Isaiah up...ahh drama.
January 20th, 2007 9:46 AM
No, I don't think he should be fired. This has been blown out of all proportion, and everybody and their brother feel that they have to chime in even though it should be just between the people who were actually there.
Political correctness is all well and good, but at a certain point it starts to become ridiculous. This debate has gone well past ridiculous and into the ludicrous.
Please, just let it rest.
January 20th, 2007 10:59 AM
Is everyone ignoring the elephant in the room? Does no one else wonder what Isaiah Washington's response would have been had T.R. McKnight uttered the n***** word in reference to him?
BTW Isaiah Washington's character-bio says he is a thorasic surgeon, please note that his character is a thoracic surgeon.
January 20th, 2007 11:40 AM
I feel IW should be fired. I cannot see how the cast can be comfortable and effective in such a work environment. There are surely many talented African-American actors who could do an equally fine job at portraying IW's character. Pehaps one that has tact and integrity. The world is full of all types of people and tolerance is necessary for success no matter what your job may be. As far as his comments at the Golden Globes - it was in very poor taste to bring up a volatile subject such as this and ruin what otherwise should have been a night of celebration for all involved. There are three simple common sense rules that people can use before opening their mouth and putting their foot in it - is the comment true? Is it kind? Is it necessary. If not, keep quiet. Too bad IW doesn't know that. Wonder how he would respond if the shoe was on the other foot and TR said "i never called him a "nigger" which is equally as insulting to those of black heritage. Grey's is a pleasure to watch but I could live without IW on it.
January 20th, 2007 5:54 PM
Those of Black heritage would not have made nearly the huge deal out of it to begin with as TR. It is impossible to be Black and in the closet. It is not a secret. Nigger is an ugly word and a hurtful word, but certainly more commonly used than faggot. I have known people who have been called nigger by their bosses so don't tell me anyone would have been automatically fired for using the N word. I am so sick and tired of this argument from people who know absolutely nothing about it. I would hope if Isaiah had unintentionally heard someone call him the N word he would have confronted the person with why rather than announcing to the media that because he overheard TR use the N word he now has to admit he is an African American to the world. How foolish is this comment. I would also hope that if Isaiah had heard incorrectly and TR really didn't use that word and tried to correct the misrepresentation to the media, that Isaiah wouldn't have gone crying to the first Black talk show host to say he did and what a powerful word it is.
As for Taye Diggs, Eric LaSalle, every other good looking African American actor on the planet replacing Isaiah, why do you think Burke has to be African American??? He was cast because he was the best actor for the role, not because he was Black. There are many actors GA could bring in of any race, but none could replace Isaiah as Burke. That role is too much assoicated with Isaiah.
I agree with you three rules before opening your mouth, Sharon. But, I don't believe Isaiah was being unkind in denying the accusations. I believe he was being truthful from his perspective. Was it necessary? Not in my mind, but I was not the one being hounded and criticized for months for something that I did not say to TR nor never intended to cause him harm. It is so easy to be judgmental and far more difficult to put yourself in the other persons shoes. One more thing. I also agree with you that it was in very poor taste to bring up the whole thing at the Golden Globes, but Isaiah didn't do that. Ted from Eonline did. Isaiah was merely responding. Shonda would have handled it better and I am sure Isaiah wishes right now that he had let her.
January 21st, 2007 6:01 PM
The thing I think that eveyone has overlooked in this situation is that IW's original comment caused TR Knight to come out at a time when TR wasn't ready to do so. TR said he is private and wanted to keep his private life to himself. He didn't feel it was necessary, before IW made that 'faggot' comment, for him to come out. Before IW made that comment, coming out was a non-issue for TR. He said his friends and family knew and that was good enough as far as he was concerned.
Well, then IW opened his mouth. So, TR was forced against his will to announce he is gay. How would any of US feel if we were forced by someone else to admit something private? So, this whole thing is not just a big deal because IW said something he shouldn't have...it's a big deal also because IW took out of TR's hands the right to make his decision about when (or if) to come out. Instead of apologizing to GLADD, IW should apologize to TR for doing something that forced a unwelcome major life decision.
January 21st, 2007 6:13 PM
Burke Backer.....I was the one who posted the comment saying Burke could 'get a job at another hospital' or a comment close to that. And IW could be written off GA. Then, I said that another African-American actor could take IW's place....not AS BURKE--as he would be gone from Seattle Grace...but simply as another doctor. There are people here who don't read comments carefully and they twisted what I said around. I merely said another actor could come in and play a doctor. My idea was he could have a relationship with Yang...but it wouldn't be Preston Burke.
Would the actor NEED to be black? No, of course not. I just came up with some names. Nothing was intended by the names I came up with. The actor could be White, Asian, Hispanic, Black, it doesn't matter. My feeling was, at the time I wrote the post, that IF IW were dropped from GA, (which I doubt will happen--I think in time, IW will leave on his own) it wouldn't be a good idea to have another actor come back as Burke. Wouldn't make sense and GA fans wouldn't adapt to the change.
January 21st, 2007 10:30 PM
Hi Carol, I don't mean to be argumentative, but I don't understand how Isaiah saying anything on a closed set caused TR to announce that he was gay. Isaiah wasn't out telling the world by way of the Hollywood press than TR was gay. TR couldn't really even explain on Ellen why he decided that he had to come out of the closet after hearing that word associated with him. He had a choice. He could have ignored it or denied it. He chose to announce it. No one forced him. I'm sure that you know that Isaiah has apologized to TR not once but at least twice that we know of. Once privately according to all of the casts' interview on Oprah and again publicaly after the Golden Globes debacle. I don't think this has been forgotten in all of the hoopla, I just don't think it is valid to blame Isaiah for TR's choice. Someone could call me gay in a public place and if it weren't true, I would just say it isn't true. Isaiah referred to TR as gay in a supposedly isolated and protected setting. He should not have done it, but he is not responsible for TR's decision.
January 21st, 2007 10:43 PM
Hi again, Carol. Thanks for clarifying. I really don't think that Isaiah would leave on his own. He seems to be really happy to be on the show and playing this part from all that I have heard him say either in interview or in articles. In this past month's Ebony he is quoted as saying he is asked about being on Greys and also being the proud father of three young children and he said, "I'm happy as Hell." If the cast is unable to forgive him and move on I suppose that could change pretty quickly, but I truly hope that they can come to an understanding because regardles of what was said and the circumstances, I really do not believe Isaiah has disdain for any of his castmates or meant to offend TR. Other than this one incident and the aftermath culminating in the inappropriate question and response at the Golden Globes, even very private Sandra Oh has mentioned how much they all enjoy working together. I do agree with you though. If Isaiah were to leave the show either voluntarily or because he is asked to leave, no one else could play that role convincingly and it would be better to bring in a totally new character. I think that would be true of any of the primary characters on the show, though, don't you?
January 22nd, 2007 8:44 AM
FIRE THE ARROGANT HOMOPHOBE HATEMONGER!
January 22nd, 2007 3:28 PM
Well, Burke Backer, I agree with your comments. TR was not forced to come out. Yes, TR could have denied it, so this was a media thing. We've all said things in the heat of anger, and have had others say things about us in anger (well, at least that's happened to me) Maybe IW won't leave. I like his acting, so it doesn't matter to me if he leaves on his own or stays. It appears that IW saved his job by apologizing again and saying he'll seek help. Let's hope he does seek help. Yes, any of the primary characters would be difficult to replace and new characters would be needed, as is done on 'ER'.
I think this is about it for me, no more need to post on this subject.