I think the whole problem is that people immediately assumed that he used the term 'faggot' in a derogatory fashion. In a way, people chose to take offence, especially after the media got a hold of it.
Why do people perceive this word as an insult instead of a slang?
The whole situation, that should have been wound up with an apology, a shake of the hand, and perhaps a 1 on 1 d&m between Knight and Washington has turned into a saga the media just can't get enough of.
Amanda Says:
June 30th, 2007 11:45 PM
Racism happens. so does homophobia. Nothing is completely fair in the world because of human nature. but i doubt he got fired because he's black. And look at the amazing black actors who work in hollywood. His actions and his attitude lost him his job. What he said was inexcusable. But had he not been a spoiled brat about it after the fact, he probably wouldn't have been sacked. its not conducive to any work enviorment to have one person freakin everyone else out. And i really don't think it was cuz he is black that he scared them. There is nothing scarier than a person with uncontrollable anger. Believe me i know and i don't blame those people for being scared of him. And by jumping to the conclusion that it was a race thing, just shows his own prejudice and ignorance. He himself obviously sees the world in black and white or how else would he have come to that conclusion. He is only feeding the fire that is racism and prejudice. And that is the true tragedy of all of this. Not a character being written out of a show. I am sad and will miss Burke on Grey's Anatomy, but i grieve more for the impact his accusations will have on society as well as our race.
iluvgreysanatomy Says:
July 1st, 2007 6:01 AM
I am in total agreement with Burke Backer!
With all his past interviews and watching T.R on Ellen...i just think all this has blown out of proportion and find nothing wrong with IW wanting to support his side of the story!! T.R. had his time in the spotlight now it's IW's turn! let the man give his point of the view. And he knows how him being colored has affected his career more than anyone else here seeing that he is the one to experience it!
Like I said, it's good that IW is telling his side of the story, because once again I'm hearing the media talking or maybe I missed it. But I don't recall a cast or crew member, etc. being interviewed who said that they were afraid of IW. IW is not an angry man, he's a man with a temper; there's a difference. I've worked with both and thats how I know.
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Deron G. Says:
July 1st, 2007 9:04 AM
Yeah, this has everything to do with race. Nine times out of ten, when you see a prominent black male that's a threat to ANY establish, people either assassinate him or his character...
Your Mom Says:
July 1st, 2007 3:55 PM
I think this is lame and pathetic, personally.
I won't miss Dr. Burke - I thought he was an arrogant ass anyway. :D
JF Says:
July 1st, 2007 4:14 PM
I can't believe some of the comments on here.
The guy is an asshole that physically assaulted a coworker and used hateful slurs. That's grounds for dismissal in most work places, not just on a tv set. Many companies have commitments to creating a "safe and comfortable" working environment for the employees, and good for them. If another employee had attacked a coworker and referred to a black co-star as a 'nigger', wouldn't they have been fired as well? It has nothing to do with him being black and everything to do with a history of aggressive and ignorant behavior.
And for those of you insisting that homosexuality is some kind of lifestyle "choice" - please join modern society. People are born gay just like they are born black or female or blue-eyed or possessing any other random genetic characteristic.
disagree Says:
July 1st, 2007 6:00 PM
God "created" black or female or blue-eyed or any other random genetic characteristic. He planned in the beginning to "create" these different kinds of people. He did not "create" gays. It wasn't in His plan, and it isn't now. God is the same yesterday, today and forever more. God does not change. People change, llifesyles change, government changes. But not God or His "orignal plan" for human kind. So in other words we need to tell the creator that wakes us up every morning (and doesn't have to, by the way) that there's been some changes in his blueprint and that He needs to get with the program and join modern society, because evidently He didn't know what He was doing!
JF Says:
July 1st, 2007 8:02 PM
Seriously?
So, presuming there is a god that created the universe, why do many homosexuals realize they are gay from childhood? Why is homosexuality rampant in the animal kingdom?
I am baffled that some seem to think that individuals wake up one morning and "choose" to be gay.
I've never been able to choose who I fall in love with - it's just happened through the natural growth of a relationship with another human being.
meme Says:
July 1st, 2007 9:21 PM
huhhhh......The main reason why he is gone is because of his color.There is nothing more that he can say because they wanted him gone from the start.It's sad that he keeps digging a hole,he will never get hired again.Seems like most people for- get how racial the world can be,"NIGGERS DON"T GET SECOND CHANCES". I'm so sure that he knows the frist time you mess up being black it is over so why even go there.He also said he didn't walk around saying no sir and yes sir,but he wasn't suppose to say shit.I know that most of HOLLYWOOD knows that dark sink is out so it is time to get replace by a light skin black.I think that the whole show should be canceled.
Jilly Says:
July 2nd, 2007 12:40 AM
IW is really coming off as a whiny jerk. SO you lost your job because of a mistake you made. Get over it. And don't try to blame your race. Whoever plays Bailey is black, I don't see her whining. Shonda is black. And she probably had say over if you stayed or went. And Sandra is also a minority. I don't see her whining either. What a pathetic guy. He's acting like a 5 year old. I didn't have an opinion of IW before, but now it's definately a negative one.
Grey fan Says:
July 2nd, 2007 5:00 AM
Seriously!! thia guy needs help. He is doing everything to make te show look bad now that he's out. He needs help... lots of it.
Mark Says:
July 2nd, 2007 5:02 AM
He is one crazy man. he wants attention, badly.
He is soo meesed up. Millions of people get fired from their jobs every day for much simpler reasons. He shold get a life and move on. and leave Grey anatomy out of it.
Last I heard we still had a right to express our opinion; then again I guess that may change too. It's rather funny that some people want him to shut up, but they can't do it themselves. (LOL)
kitten Says:
July 2nd, 2007 7:02 AM
A) I hate both homophobia and racism!!!
B) I really don't believe that racism had anything to do with the network's or producers' decision to let Washington go.
C) I also hate cheap and sensational journalism and defamation.
D) I deeply respect the cast of Grey's Anatomy for their superb performance on the show. Isaiah Washington did a superb job in portraying Dr. Preston Burke. I therefore find it very sad to see him go and am convinced that the show won't be the same without him.
Rosie O'Donnel has been on televison insulting people for years, she even accused Kelly Ripa of being homophobic, Don Imus has been insulting every race, sex, etc., and he'd been on the air for what 20-30 years, Michael Richards could have gone back to work at the same comedy club where he made his racial slurs, but the owner told him he would have to apologize, but Richards wasn't willing to that. Yes, some people do get second, third...chances.
Leroy Alade Says:
July 2nd, 2007 8:43 AM
It is a shame that things has come to this.
I must admit as a black man I would not have said the things Isaiah said. However, he did try to atone for his comments and was still fired for it.
So he had to right to speak his mind afterwards.
Note that Grey's has been successful because of all the characters within it, with Isaiah gone there is going to be a lot lost. I will not be watching Grey's again with him gone.
Additionally, there are a number of people making stupid comments about the color of his skins not being a factor in his firing, how would you know being white. Secondly, Even though I would not use that word I get the feeling that America is trying to pass this way of life as normal, it is a chosen way of life unlike being Black or brown.
Comment, to Isaiah from a Black man from England. I agree with you on many issues however a lot of your conduct was unnecessary i.e. the silly argument you got into. Note that black men have been waiting for a long time for a strong black character which we found in you, your firing has cost us a lot. This unfortunately is the white man's ball game and even though you should not act as an Uncle Tom sometimes you have to put up and shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sabrina Says:
July 2nd, 2007 12:11 PM
This just in....ABC just fired another BLACK actress, Merrin Dungey, from Private Practive. Big shock and surprise. ABC citing "lack of public following". Dungey has a huge following....there are white actors on that show I had never even heard of or seen before.
Iceman Says:
July 2nd, 2007 3:28 PM
I must admit that i dont condone using the race card especially in this situation.I thinkhe made all his points in previous interveiws and really didnt need to add the race card. i am an IW fan and i do beleive that the media and TRK's misrepresentation of events ( which still has people saying it was a physical altercation,which it was not and that the comment was made about TRK who wasnt even there) lead to his firing, but i must say i do not think race was the reason, IMO this was about political correctness. After the incident Joe the bartender ends up gay, George ends up a stup, IW ends up out on hiss butt and TR gets a raise. if it wasnr TRK's plan to exploit this for all it was worth then he shoudl play powerball right now because he is a lucky man and now once again IW has made amove that helps TRK's cause yet again because in 2007 the race card is not the ace of spades but the 2 of clubs,worthless.Siince there is no racism any more(yeh right) Just look at these post. Even without the race card i feel he got a raw deal but it wont matter now especially after dropping the race card because now no one will listen to the truth in his other interveiws. just he way of the world i guess.
Sabrina Says:
July 2nd, 2007 5:41 PM
I agree with points Iceman made, but I do think race plays a part. I do not think it was the main or the only reason, but it definately influenced ABC's decision. Knight pulling a power play was definately the front and center reason. If Dempsey was in the middle of this ABC would have kept it so in-house no one would have ever heard of it.
Sabrina Says:
July 2nd, 2007 5:43 PM
I agree with points Iceman made, but I do think race plays a part. I do not think it was the main or the only reason, but it definately influenced ABC's decision. Knight pulling a power play was definately the front and center reason. If Dempsey was in the middle of this ABC would have kept it so in-house no one would have ever heard of it. But if Washington was going to bring race into this, he could have done it much better. He is extremely intillegent and eloquent to have had an interview come out like that. But then again, reporters only report the story they want to. Newsweek could have cut out key parts to the interview. It wouldn't be the first time. But I guess we will see tonight on Larry King!
Amanda Says:
July 2nd, 2007 8:33 PM
I BELIEVE ISAIAH. Wow, I can't believe how many people on here are reading what this man is saying and calling him an idiot. NOBODY knows what happened on the set. Not even me. But to assume that he's doing this for publicity. Here is a man who has played on some of the most poignant movies - he has even played a gay man in a movie. Here is a man who is a SMART intelligent actor. And ABC canned him anyway. The same network that keeps running the Bachelor - a show of silly little bleached blondes chasing after one man, professing their love after 3 whole weeks.
The fact remains -- Isaiah went to counseling, recorded a PSA, did everything ABC wanted, and LIKE COWARDS they fired him anyway. I'm disappointed in Shonda who didn't stand up for him and keep him aboard - this calabre of actor doesn't come by often, especially to some little TV show that has an average shelf life of 6 seasons. Because of Isaiah, BURKE is one of the BEST characters on the show - and they got rid of him. Well, Grey's has LOST a TON of viewers with the firing of Isaiah - a ton, including me.
Watcher Says:
July 2nd, 2007 8:48 PM
THE COMMENT WAS STUPID, but the firing was un-necessary. Dr. Burke was an INTREGRAL part of the show and personally I will miss him and/or his character. Many people before him have made this same 'error in judgement' and was able to keep their job, why not give him a second chance as well. Personally I hope there's enough of an out cry that Dr. Burke makes a come back!!
The fact that ABC and PD will not comment on the things that IW said on the interview only confirms that IW is telling the truth. I said there was more to it and that it involved PD.
June 30th, 2007 11:34 PM
I think the whole problem is that people immediately assumed that he used the term 'faggot' in a derogatory fashion. In a way, people chose to take offence, especially after the media got a hold of it.
Why do people perceive this word as an insult instead of a slang?
The whole situation, that should have been wound up with an apology, a shake of the hand, and perhaps a 1 on 1 d&m between Knight and Washington has turned into a saga the media just can't get enough of.
June 30th, 2007 11:45 PM
Racism happens. so does homophobia. Nothing is completely fair in the world because of human nature. but i doubt he got fired because he's black. And look at the amazing black actors who work in hollywood. His actions and his attitude lost him his job. What he said was inexcusable. But had he not been a spoiled brat about it after the fact, he probably wouldn't have been sacked. its not conducive to any work enviorment to have one person freakin everyone else out. And i really don't think it was cuz he is black that he scared them. There is nothing scarier than a person with uncontrollable anger. Believe me i know and i don't blame those people for being scared of him. And by jumping to the conclusion that it was a race thing, just shows his own prejudice and ignorance. He himself obviously sees the world in black and white or how else would he have come to that conclusion. He is only feeding the fire that is racism and prejudice. And that is the true tragedy of all of this. Not a character being written out of a show. I am sad and will miss Burke on Grey's Anatomy, but i grieve more for the impact his accusations will have on society as well as our race.
July 1st, 2007 6:01 AM
I am in total agreement with Burke Backer!
With all his past interviews and watching T.R on Ellen...i just think all this has blown out of proportion and find nothing wrong with IW wanting to support his side of the story!! T.R. had his time in the spotlight now it's IW's turn! let the man give his point of the view. And he knows how him being colored has affected his career more than anyone else here seeing that he is the one to experience it!
July 1st, 2007 6:45 AM
Like I said, it's good that IW is telling his side of the story, because once again I'm hearing the media talking or maybe I missed it. But I don't recall a cast or crew member, etc. being interviewed who said that they were afraid of IW. IW is not an angry man, he's a man with a temper; there's a difference. I've worked with both and thats how I know.
July 1st, 2007 9:02 AM
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July 1st, 2007 9:04 AM
Yeah, this has everything to do with race. Nine times out of ten, when you see a prominent black male that's a threat to ANY establish, people either assassinate him or his character...
July 1st, 2007 3:55 PM
I think this is lame and pathetic, personally.
I won't miss Dr. Burke - I thought he was an arrogant ass anyway. :D
July 1st, 2007 4:14 PM
I can't believe some of the comments on here.
The guy is an asshole that physically assaulted a coworker and used hateful slurs. That's grounds for dismissal in most work places, not just on a tv set. Many companies have commitments to creating a "safe and comfortable" working environment for the employees, and good for them. If another employee had attacked a coworker and referred to a black co-star as a 'nigger', wouldn't they have been fired as well? It has nothing to do with him being black and everything to do with a history of aggressive and ignorant behavior.
And for those of you insisting that homosexuality is some kind of lifestyle "choice" - please join modern society. People are born gay just like they are born black or female or blue-eyed or possessing any other random genetic characteristic.
July 1st, 2007 6:00 PM
God "created" black or female or blue-eyed or any other random genetic characteristic. He planned in the beginning to "create" these different kinds of people. He did not "create" gays. It wasn't in His plan, and it isn't now. God is the same yesterday, today and forever more. God does not change. People change, llifesyles change, government changes. But not God or His "orignal plan" for human kind. So in other words we need to tell the creator that wakes us up every morning (and doesn't have to, by the way) that there's been some changes in his blueprint and that He needs to get with the program and join modern society, because evidently He didn't know what He was doing!
July 1st, 2007 8:02 PM
Seriously?
So, presuming there is a god that created the universe, why do many homosexuals realize they are gay from childhood? Why is homosexuality rampant in the animal kingdom?
I am baffled that some seem to think that individuals wake up one morning and "choose" to be gay.
I've never been able to choose who I fall in love with - it's just happened through the natural growth of a relationship with another human being.
July 1st, 2007 9:21 PM
huhhhh......The main reason why he is gone is because of his color.There is nothing more that he can say because they wanted him gone from the start.It's sad that he keeps digging a hole,he will never get hired again.Seems like most people for- get how racial the world can be,"NIGGERS DON"T GET SECOND CHANCES". I'm so sure that he knows the frist time you mess up being black it is over so why even go there.He also said he didn't walk around saying no sir and yes sir,but he wasn't suppose to say shit.I know that most of HOLLYWOOD knows that dark sink is out so it is time to get replace by a light skin black.I think that the whole show should be canceled.
July 2nd, 2007 12:40 AM
IW is really coming off as a whiny jerk. SO you lost your job because of a mistake you made. Get over it. And don't try to blame your race. Whoever plays Bailey is black, I don't see her whining. Shonda is black. And she probably had say over if you stayed or went. And Sandra is also a minority. I don't see her whining either. What a pathetic guy. He's acting like a 5 year old. I didn't have an opinion of IW before, but now it's definately a negative one.
July 2nd, 2007 5:00 AM
Seriously!! thia guy needs help. He is doing everything to make te show look bad now that he's out. He needs help... lots of it.
July 2nd, 2007 5:02 AM
He is one crazy man. he wants attention, badly.
He is soo meesed up. Millions of people get fired from their jobs every day for much simpler reasons. He shold get a life and move on. and leave Grey anatomy out of it.
July 2nd, 2007 6:55 AM
Last I heard we still had a right to express our opinion; then again I guess that may change too. It's rather funny that some people want him to shut up, but they can't do it themselves. (LOL)
July 2nd, 2007 7:02 AM
A) I hate both homophobia and racism!!!
B) I really don't believe that racism had anything to do with the network's or producers' decision to let Washington go.
C) I also hate cheap and sensational journalism and defamation.
D) I deeply respect the cast of Grey's Anatomy for their superb performance on the show. Isaiah Washington did a superb job in portraying Dr. Preston Burke. I therefore find it very sad to see him go and am convinced that the show won't be the same without him.
July 2nd, 2007 7:28 AM
Rosie O'Donnel has been on televison insulting people for years, she even accused Kelly Ripa of being homophobic, Don Imus has been insulting every race, sex, etc., and he'd been on the air for what 20-30 years, Michael Richards could have gone back to work at the same comedy club where he made his racial slurs, but the owner told him he would have to apologize, but Richards wasn't willing to that. Yes, some people do get second, third...chances.
July 2nd, 2007 8:43 AM
It is a shame that things has come to this.
I must admit as a black man I would not have said the things Isaiah said. However, he did try to atone for his comments and was still fired for it.
So he had to right to speak his mind afterwards.
Note that Grey's has been successful because of all the characters within it, with Isaiah gone there is going to be a lot lost. I will not be watching Grey's again with him gone.
Additionally, there are a number of people making stupid comments about the color of his skins not being a factor in his firing, how would you know being white. Secondly, Even though I would not use that word I get the feeling that America is trying to pass this way of life as normal, it is a chosen way of life unlike being Black or brown.
Comment, to Isaiah from a Black man from England. I agree with you on many issues however a lot of your conduct was unnecessary i.e. the silly argument you got into. Note that black men have been waiting for a long time for a strong black character which we found in you, your firing has cost us a lot. This unfortunately is the white man's ball game and even though you should not act as an Uncle Tom sometimes you have to put up and shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 2nd, 2007 12:11 PM
This just in....ABC just fired another BLACK actress, Merrin Dungey, from Private Practive. Big shock and surprise. ABC citing "lack of public following". Dungey has a huge following....there are white actors on that show I had never even heard of or seen before.
July 2nd, 2007 3:28 PM
I must admit that i dont condone using the race card especially in this situation.I thinkhe made all his points in previous interveiws and really didnt need to add the race card. i am an IW fan and i do beleive that the media and TRK's misrepresentation of events ( which still has people saying it was a physical altercation,which it was not and that the comment was made about TRK who wasnt even there) lead to his firing, but i must say i do not think race was the reason, IMO this was about political correctness. After the incident Joe the bartender ends up gay, George ends up a stup, IW ends up out on hiss butt and TR gets a raise. if it wasnr TRK's plan to exploit this for all it was worth then he shoudl play powerball right now because he is a lucky man and now once again IW has made amove that helps TRK's cause yet again because in 2007 the race card is not the ace of spades but the 2 of clubs,worthless.Siince there is no racism any more(yeh right) Just look at these post. Even without the race card i feel he got a raw deal but it wont matter now especially after dropping the race card because now no one will listen to the truth in his other interveiws. just he way of the world i guess.
July 2nd, 2007 5:41 PM
I agree with points Iceman made, but I do think race plays a part. I do not think it was the main or the only reason, but it definately influenced ABC's decision. Knight pulling a power play was definately the front and center reason. If Dempsey was in the middle of this ABC would have kept it so in-house no one would have ever heard of it.
July 2nd, 2007 5:43 PM
I agree with points Iceman made, but I do think race plays a part. I do not think it was the main or the only reason, but it definately influenced ABC's decision. Knight pulling a power play was definately the front and center reason. If Dempsey was in the middle of this ABC would have kept it so in-house no one would have ever heard of it. But if Washington was going to bring race into this, he could have done it much better. He is extremely intillegent and eloquent to have had an interview come out like that. But then again, reporters only report the story they want to. Newsweek could have cut out key parts to the interview. It wouldn't be the first time. But I guess we will see tonight on Larry King!
July 2nd, 2007 8:33 PM
I BELIEVE ISAIAH. Wow, I can't believe how many people on here are reading what this man is saying and calling him an idiot. NOBODY knows what happened on the set. Not even me. But to assume that he's doing this for publicity. Here is a man who has played on some of the most poignant movies - he has even played a gay man in a movie. Here is a man who is a SMART intelligent actor. And ABC canned him anyway. The same network that keeps running the Bachelor - a show of silly little bleached blondes chasing after one man, professing their love after 3 whole weeks.
The fact remains -- Isaiah went to counseling, recorded a PSA, did everything ABC wanted, and LIKE COWARDS they fired him anyway. I'm disappointed in Shonda who didn't stand up for him and keep him aboard - this calabre of actor doesn't come by often, especially to some little TV show that has an average shelf life of 6 seasons. Because of Isaiah, BURKE is one of the BEST characters on the show - and they got rid of him. Well, Grey's has LOST a TON of viewers with the firing of Isaiah - a ton, including me.
July 2nd, 2007 8:48 PM
THE COMMENT WAS STUPID, but the firing was un-necessary. Dr. Burke was an INTREGRAL part of the show and personally I will miss him and/or his character. Many people before him have made this same 'error in judgement' and was able to keep their job, why not give him a second chance as well. Personally I hope there's enough of an out cry that Dr. Burke makes a come back!!
July 3rd, 2007 6:07 AM
The fact that ABC and PD will not comment on the things that IW said on the interview only confirms that IW is telling the truth. I said there was more to it and that it involved PD.