Source: T.R. Knight Wants Out of Grey's Anatomy Contract
Despite the initial denials issued by the show amid the latest rumors of on-set upheaval, the revolving door that is the Grey's Anatomy cast has taken another sudden and surprising spin, reports the reliable Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly.
In a shocking development, sources are now confirming that T.R. Knight (George O'Malley) has asked to be released from his contract, a request that both ABC and Grey's Anatomy creator / executive producer Shonda Rhimes appear poised to grant.
"They're working out the details now," whispers an ABC insider.
There's no word on when T.R. Knight would make his final appearance, but, contrary to a report on the gossip blog crazydaysandnights.com, he has not walked off the set of the show: "He's still working," maintains EW's Grey's Anatomy mole.
Rumors of Knight's unhappiness with Grey's Anatomy date back to Isaiah-gate. The actor was reportedly upset that despite Patrick Dempsey and Katherine Heigl rallying to his defense, it took Rhimes so long to publicly condemn Washington's now-infamous use of the F-word.
The incident led T.R. Knight to come out as a gay man.
Rhimes eventually released a statement denouncing Washington's behavior, but word is, it was too little, too late. Nonetheless, a Grey's Anatomy source insists Knight does not want out of his contract for that reason, adding, "He just feels it's time to move on."
A spokesperson for T.R. Knight declined to comment.
T.R. Knight's probable exit comes at a time when his character, George, has been given little to do of late, save for express concern over Izzie's mental state.
December 9th, 2008 12:45 PM
Hell yeah!
December 9th, 2008 12:51 PM
Well... I guess that's it. He's gone, I'm gone.
December 9th, 2008 1:28 PM
I like George - but oh well, if he wants to go - see ya! It's a bad move by TR, but I say let him make that mistake.
December 9th, 2008 1:29 PM
At last he´s going ...
December 9th, 2008 1:43 PM
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! *cries* please don't leave!!!!!
OMG I'm going to ie if he will really leave :(
December 9th, 2008 1:47 PM
I used to really like George but he has seemed surplus lately...better to walk than be pushed!
December 9th, 2008 2:10 PM
If t.r get out of Grey, i will stop watching the serie...
December 9th, 2008 2:12 PM
I guess whatever makes T.R. happy. I'm not even a regular viewer of the show, but it still shocked and upset me to hear he was leaving. His character's story line was one of the more realistic and unpredictable ones, in my opinion.
Whatever makes him happy, though.
December 9th, 2008 2:29 PM
So do we think he is leaving b/c of Isiah and also b/c ABC execs let go of Brook Smith b/c they weren't into the the gay story line? Just asking b/c it seems the writers are trying to push a gay story line but the execs are comfortable with it. Maybe he is fed up?! Shonda needs to reel it back in she is trying to dip her hand into to many story lines and the none of them are very good she is going to lose more cast members this way and more viewers. Private Practice has gotten better and now grey's in suffering she needs to come up with a better plan!
December 9th, 2008 2:53 PM
I love it.The weakest character was always George.The most glory seeking,storyline digging,shit stirring backstage worker=T.R.
Because of him we lost Burke.And ok Washington displayed a complete lack of intelligence with how he dealt with the situation,but we know T.R. had a hand in his firing.Also,in the most basic terms,Burke or George?Burke all the way with me.
Also,this thing about losing too many origanl characters,E.R. kept on going for years despite finishing without any of the origanal cast so that doesn't wash.You can only take characters so far after 5 seasons,and George has been married,divorced,had affairs,and lost a father,so really what is left?