Shonda Rhimes Has Spoken: Isaiah Washington Will Keep His Job
JANUARY 24, 2007: The creator of "Grey's Anatomy" has broken her silence - actor Isaiah Washington will not be fired for his second outburst of homophobia as he has agreed to do "whatever it takes" to keep his job.
Following days of mounting pressure, Shonda Rhimes released the following statement:
"I speak for all the executive producers here at Grey's Anatomy when I say that Isaiah Washington's use of such a disturbing word was a shocking and dismaying event that insulted not only gays and lesbians everywhere but anyone who has ever struggled for respect in a world that is not always accepting of difference.
We’ve been working within the Grey’s family as well as with ABC and Touchstone Television to address the issue in a way that underscores the gravity of the situation while giving us all a foundation for healing. We applaud and encourage Isaiah's realization that he needs help and his subsequent choice to seek immediate treatment for his behavioral issues.
We appreciate the support the fans have always given our show, particularly during this stressful time. Creatively, we continue to strive to make the best television we can with the hope that our show reflects the talent, hard work and professionalism of our cast and crew."
This morning, Isaiah Washington also released a statement:
"With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling. I regard this as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again. I appreciate the fact that I have been given this opportunity and I remain committed to transforming my negative actions into positive results, personally and professionally."
It is very discouraging that at this day and age bigots like Mel Gibson, Michael Richards and Isaiah Washington are allowed to utter a heinous slur and get away with it.
Their language and behavior is vile and ethically unacceptable, regardless of whether or not they were intoxicated at the time when they uttered their respective slur.
For this reason, hiring a razzle-dazzle damage control publicist, releasing several meaningless statements and pulling off the oldest and the most cliched and wretched of all Hollywood stunts that is "seeking help at a rehab facility", before going back to work as if nothing had happened, can not and will not alleviate the repulsive impact of their appalling behavior.
An inside source on the set of "Grey's Anatomy" had revealed to US Magazine following the original incident with Isaiah Washington in October that Shonda Rhimes is very good friends with the actor and that "she would never fire him" ("War on the Set", US Weekly, October 2006).
If this is true, than Shonda Rhimes is a hypocrite who on one hand prides herself on the high quality of a television series that promotes diversity, and yet accepts double standards disrespectful to the gay and lesbian community.
I can only hope the old "three strikes and out" rule will apply if the actor, who has had a history of anger management issues, resorts to his shameful ways once again. Otherwise I will have to apply the rule to the medical series itself.
Labels: ABC, Grey's Anatomy, Isaiah Washington
posted by Justin Van De Kamp at
10:15 AM
6 Comments:
Mr Washington has serious issues, denial being one of the top ones. I totally agree with you, all of this is a PR spin. His "apology" has insincerity written all over it and a desperate ploy to keep his job. I think that he's going to mess up sooner or later and his true colors are going to surface once again.
Hmm...well i guess that's that then.. Let's us wait for him to 'strike out' ..
I was hoping he would have been fired. ABC is letting him get away with it and it is really not fair to those who are deeply offended by his ease of using such a negative word. I was thinking they could replace him with another black actor and we could finally get a McChocolate. Dorian Gregory, Taye Diggs (he's not doing Daybreak anymore), Dondre T. Whitfield are just a few that come to mind, Oh well.............
Eh, can't say I'm surprised. I knew ABC wouldn't fire him. His character is far too crucial to the show.
Actually, Shonda and the rest of the producers said back in October they thought that people were being racist for suggesting he should be replaced by a black actor.
In my opinion, he should not be replaced by anyone. He should just go away and never come back.
Who are we to judge. Eccl 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or wether it be evil. Matt 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in in danger of the judgment: John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Rom 14:10 but why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of christ. 11 for it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shallhe appear the second time without sin unto salvation. We are all sinner's. We are to Help each other not to judge. You and I are no better then Isaiah Washington. God Bless Everyone!!!!
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