Isaiah Washington Calls Katherine Heigl Emmy Controversy "Unfortunate"

What does he want now? Former (or should I say shamed?) "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington did exactly what Katherine Heigl said he shouldn't be allowed to do - speak in public. The "Bionic Woman" actor responded to a question concerning former cast member's Emmy controversy and said it was 'unfortunate'.

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Washington, who was fired for repeatedly spewing homophobic profanities, also presented himself as class act explaining to Entertainment Tonight he immediately called his friend, "Grey's Anatomy" creator and head writer Shonda Rhimes, to offer his support.

Heigl announced last week that she was withdrawing her name from Emmy contention because she felt the material written for her character was not strong enough to warrant a nomination, causing her critics to immediately accuse her of slapping "Grey's" writers in the face.

Heigl who simply voiced the opinion of many people who agreed her storylines went downhill this year, was immediately branded ungrateful and egocentric by certain members of the viewing public as well as shocked set insiders.

Some however found a lot of humor in the situation. Late night comedian Jay Leno joked on his show last week the writers are now going to kill Heigl's character off.

The medical drama goes back into production on Wednesday, June 25. Season 5 will premiere in late September.

Was Isaiah Fired Because of Racism?

JUNE 19, 2007: An apparently delusional African American gay activist Jasmyne Cannick has started a petition to get actor Isaiah Washington hired back onto "Grey's Anatomy," saying that the decision to let him go was racist.

According to Cannick, who worked with Washington on the Pan African Arts Festival, the axing "further adds to a disturbing new trend at ABC wherein minority actors have been dismissed at an alarming rate over the past two years."

She then goes on to mention Star Jones (formerly of 'The View'), Harold Perrineau ('Lost') and Housewives' Applewhite family of Alfre Woodard, Mehcad Brooks and Page Kennedy as examples.

In a statement to New York Post Cannick also says: "Isaiah has done more for the gay and lesbian community than T.R. Knight did in or out of the closet. He did what they asked him to do [apologize and star in a PSA], and now they want to make sure he will never work again. At what point is enough enough?"

Uhm... Will you, my darling readers, take this one or shall I? :)

Here I go.

First of all, wasn't that beard Star Jones fired because she was becoming way too obnoxious even for "The View"?

Didn't Harold Perrineau ask to leave "LOST" as he believed, as do some other actors who are a part of that enormous ensemble, he was being underused?

Furthermore, "LOST" kills off characters left and right, so there have obviously been a lot more Caucasian casualties.

The Applewhite storyline on 'Desperate Housewives' was a complete disaster and the viewers were eager to see them go.

Finally, how Cannick can compare what Isaiah and T.R. did for the gay community is really beyond my comprehension. Besides, Washington's recent comments have revealed the only reason he did what he did was because he was asked to do it, he was trying to save his job, and he apparently never really meant it, he has never really shown any genuine penitence.

Therefore, one final time - good riddance. Now... Could we finally put this case behind us?

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"Grey's" Actor Isaiah Washington Fired!

JUNE 8, 2007: Actor Isaiah Washington who generated negative publicity for ABC's hit drama "Grey's Anatomy" because he used a homophobic slur with reference to his homosexual co-star T.R. Knight, has been fired and will not return to the set of the blockbuster drama when the production of the 4th season begins in July.

TV Guide reports that the homophobic incident only partially influenced the decision, as there was a pattern of problematic behavior going back before he used the F-word. Howard Bragman, Washington's publicist confirmed that the actor was informed that he was not being invited back by the show producer Shonda Rhimes.

Earlier this week, Entertainment weekly reported that the gay star T.R. Knight who was the target of the slur and whose future on the show also seemed somewhat uncertain was told he was coming back for a 4th season and he will receive a raise bumping his salary up to $125,000 per episode.

I personally believe justice has been served and it should have been done back in October.

Isaiah Washington may have apologized and he may have even truly regretted what he said, but it is about time to send a clear message that in 2007 even someone like the star of the #1 hit drama on TV can not get away using homophobic language at their workplace directed at their colleagues without getting fired.

Also, I happy we should be able to finally put this unpleasant incident behind once and for all.

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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.

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ABC Condemns Homophobic Incident; Washington Apologizes

JANUARY 19, 2007: Yesterday afternoon the ABC television network released its first official statement regarding the homophobic outburst of Isaiah Washington at the Golden Globes on Monday saying they are "greatly dismayed" by the incident. Three hours later the actor issued a statement apologizing for the slur. Will the network finally fire Isaiah Washington?

Following Wednesday's statement of the media watchdog group Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation demanding that Isaiah Washington publicly apologize for the use of the word "f****t" on Monday night in the Golden Globes press room, Disney's ABC television network which broadcasts the medical series "Grey's Anatomy" issued the following statement at about 4pm on Thursday:

"We have a long-standing policy to create and maintain respectful workplaces for all our employees. We dealt with the original situation in October, and thought the issue resolved. Therefore, we are greatly dismayed that Mr. Washington chose to use such inappropriate language at the Golden Globes, that he himself deemed 'unfortunate' in his previous public apology. We take this situation very seriously, and his actions are unacceptable and are being addressed."

Three hours later, actor Isaiah Washington issued the following apology:

"I apologize to T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show and especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance. By repeating the word Monday night, I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on "Grey's Anatomy". I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I've asked for help.

I know the power of words, especially those that demean. I realize that by using one filled with disrespect I have hurt more than T.R. and my colleagues. With one word, I've hurt everyone who has struggled for the respect so many of us take for granted. I welcome the chance to meet with leaders of the gay and lesbian community to apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to heal the wounds I’ve opened.

T.R.'s courage throughout this entire episode speaks to his tremendous character. I hold his talent, and T.R. as a person, in high esteem. I know a mere apology will not end this, and I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity."

Once again, the carefully worded statement has initiated yet another damage control attempt on the part of Isaiah Washington's agent and publicist. But it may be too little too late.

TV Guide reports that a close source on the set of "Grey's Anatomy" says that beside giving Washington "the reprimand of his life", ABC is considering a more permanent solution to the problem - terminating Washington's employment.

According to the source, Washington's problems extend far beyond his affinity for a certain derogatory f-word. In fact, his behavior has been so "inappropriate and offensive" for so long that producers have often been forced to intervene.

Now the network may finally make it clear that homophobia and any other blatant disregard for fellow cast-mates dignity will no longer be tolerated on the set of a prominent and critically-acclaimed series of "Grey's Anatomy" caliber.

VIDEO: Isaiah Washington Uses Homophobic Slur In The G.G. Press Room
VIDEO: T.R. Knight on Ellen: Washington Lied
War On The Set Of Grey's Anatomy
Katherine Heigl Lashes Out At Co-Star Washington Over Homophobic Slur
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"Grey's Anatomy" Star Heigl Lashes Out At Co-Star Washington For Homophobic Slur

JANUARY 16, 2007: Oh, no! He's at it again! "Grey's Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl lashed out at her co-star Isaiah Washington after the Golden Globes yesterday, because of his use of the word "f****t" in the Golden Globes press room and said to Access Hollywood "he should not speak in public".

After Isaiah Washington used the homophobic slur in the Golden Globes press room on Monday she told the entertainment program she was not OK with it.

Heigl said this was something the cast and the drama producer and showrunner Shonda Rhimes had to deal with internally and hoped they could work it out.

Heigl also said T.R. Knight was her best friend and she would "throw down for that kid" and she "would beat you up" and "use every ounce of energy to bring you down if you hurt his feelings".

Heigl said she would probably "get into a lot of trouble for being that blunt", but she was not OK with what Isaiah said.

Heigl's comments are available on video on Access Hollywood's website.

Following Heigl's comments, Isaiah Washington immediately went into the Access Hollywood studio to defend himself:

"There is no way I could do anything so vile, and so horrible, not only to a castmate, but to a fellow human being," he insisted.

When asked what spurred his comments on the October incident Washington told Access Hollywood's Billy Bush, "It's the truth. It did not happen. I was going to hire some other great shiny publicist, but you know what, God laid it on my heart to say it because it was so close. The reports were all wrong. It did not happen."

Earlier in the evening Isaiah was quoted by the same program as saying on the red carpet: "I love gay. I wanted to be gay. Please let me be gay."

"Grey's Anatomy" Wins Best Drama
First Look At Grey's Sweeps Stunt
Grey's Spoilers: The Return of the Dead

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Heigl Distances Herself From Washington

Daily News reports actor Isaiah Washington ("Bionic Woman") joined the cast of "Grey's Anatomy" as they hit the picket lines on Wednesday. When Katherine Heigl, who was posing with co-star and friend T.R.Knight, was asked if Washington was with the Grey's group, she responded: "He's not with me."

Writers and actors who are gay or a minority were specifically asked to appear on the picket line on Wednesday.

Washington said there were no problems between him and his former co-stars and posed with Justin Chambers.

The outspoken Heigl was also quick to react to her Golden Globe nomination this morning saying she would not cross the picket line to attend the awards ceremony.

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Bionic Isaiah

Shamed "Grey's Anatomy" actor Isaiah Washington who shot himself in the foot at the Golden Globe Awards in January is, as you know, getting his second chance on NBC's "Bionic Woman" this fall. The network has now released stills from the October 3 episode "Birds" in which he makes his first appearance.



According to USA Today, Isaiah's character is called Antonio Pope and he will be one of Jamie's (EastEnders babe Michelle Ryan) advisers. Unlike Jae (Will Yun Lee), Antonio tries to persuade Jamie to give into the machine within, because her human side is what is weak. Washington is, for the time being, scheduled to appear in 5 episodes.

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ABC Attacks NBC Over Isaiah Washington

Dogfight! Dogfight! ABC's president Steve McPherson attacked NBC over their decision to hire shamed "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington for a guest stint on "The Bionic Woman". Hours later NBC insiders shot back.

It all began when ABC's prex Steve McPherson called NBC's new president Ben Silverman either "clueless" or "stupid" for shrugging off Washington's dismissal and giving him a new job. He also questioned NBC's handling of Kevin Reilly's dismissal.

Kevin Reilly is the former NBC president who was fired by the network and went on to work for FOX. ABC insiders say, however, the Alphabet network is unhappy about McPherson's comments because:

a) Reilly is now the president of FOX, ABC's competitor. Why would McPherson defend Reilly?

b) The target of his attack, NBC's new president Ben Silverman, is one of the people who helped create ABC's breakout hit "Ugly Betty" which just won 11 Emmy nominations for ABC.

c) Press coverage is now focused on McPherson's comments, overshadowing the original purpose of the TCA event - to help promote ABC's shows.

Hours later, NBC insiders shot back calling McPherson's comments self-destructive:

"He used his corporate pulpit for his own personal vendetta. What does ABC care about Kevin Reilly? If anything, McPherson should be thanking Silverman up the wazoo for ‘Betty.’"

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Isaiah Washington Goes Bionic

The scandalous firing of "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington will have a repercussion we didn't see coming. That superpowered "Bionic Woman" Jamie (Michelle Ryan) may have to kick his ass.

NBC is expected to announce today that Washington will join its high-profile remake of the classic 1970s sci-fi drama for at least 5 episodes. Washington has allegedly also pitched an action drama to the network for its 2008-2009 season.

USA Today reports the actor will play an outsider with a mysterious agenda and may help Jamie or turn against her.


NBC had already been tied to Washington's name last month when rumor had it the actor, who had just finished his Anger Management Media Tour with a pre-taped appearance on Larry King (Not That) LIVE, would join its veteran drama "Law & Order."

So, let's see... Since he took over NBC, the new president Ben Silverman resurrected "The Apprentice" and hired Isaiah Washington. I wonder if canceling "Friday Night Lights" is next on his agenda. Is this really the man who helped create "Ugly Betty"?

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The Isaiah Washington Incident: What Really Happened?

Actor Isaiah Washington appeared on a pre-recorded edition of the "Larry King LIVE" show on Monday night to finally explain what happened on October 9, 2006 on the set of ABC's blockbuster TV series "Grey's Anatomy" when he used the homophobic slur "f*****" that ultimately cost him his job.

Before I get to that, here's a little recap of what we had known about the incident from the media.

On October 11, 2006, The National Enquirer ran a story about the incident that occurred two days earlier claiming that Isaiah Washington, who was upset over co-star T.R. Knight being late on the set, verbally attacked him, causing Patrick Dempsey to step in and defend Knight. Washington allegedly shoved Dempsey and shot back: "I am not your little f***** like T.R."

Although, the tabloid initially withheld T.R. Knight's name from the report, the gay actor came out in People Magazine 10 days later. The studio tried to put out the fire caused by the leak of the incident to the media instructing actors like Katherine Heigl and Sara Ramirez who appeared on talk shows to state that there were no problems on the set.

Oprah Winfrey did a "Grey's Anatomy" special in November getting the three actors involved to sit together with her in one of the segments and talk about the incident. The actors, of course, under strict guidelines from Disney which owns the ABC studio, never spoke openly about it.

"I think we've all really learned a lot from this experience and we're much tighter because of it," said Patrick Dempsey at the time.

Flash forward to January 15, 2007 and the Golden Globes press room where the cast got together to celebrate the success of their drama. When one of the reporters asked series creator Shonda Rhimes about the original incident, Isaiah Washington was faster and he stepped up to her microphone and foolishly said: "I never called T.R. Knight a f*****. Never happened."


This is the moment that people who support Isaiah Washington fail to understand - all he did was to say he did not do what everyone is accusing him of doing, so what is so wrong about that? What they don't get is that using the slur that causes so much outrage when the wounds remain open is a very inconsiderate thing to do. Especially when T.R. Knight claims the denial is a lie.

Immediately after the incident, Katherine Heigl who is said to be a good friend of T.R. Knight, said to the crew of Extra magazine: "Isaiah Washington should not be allowed to speak publicly" objecting to his repeat use of the homophobic slur. And that's how all hell broke loose.

The next day, T.R. Knight who had been scheduled to tape an appearance on the Ellen Degeneres show, used the opportunity to counter Washington's denial by explicitly saying: "He called me a f*****." The day after, the program aired in the US causing outrage of those who supported T.R. Knight.

The day after that, ABC issued a statement condemning Isaiah's second use of the slur and saying they would be dealing with the situation (they ignored the original incident).

Isaiah fired his publicist and hired Howard Bragman, who is specialized in damage control. By the end of that week it was announced Isaiah would meet with gay groups to discuss his irresponsible use of the slur and seek counseling in a rehab program.

Following his meeting with gay groups Washington agreed to do a pro-gay Public Service Announcement sponsored by ABC. However, it remained unclear whether the actor would get to keep his job or be forced to leave, but as time passed by the fans believed they would be seeing his character Preston Burke next year.


Ultimately though, ABC instructed the series creator Shonda Rhimes to inform Isaiah Washington on June 7, 2007 he would not be returning to the set of "Grey's Anatomy" the following month. That sparked the actor's month-long anger management media tour accusing ABC of racism, T.R. Knight of conspiring to have him fired and saying ABC should have fired T.R. instead.

On Monday night on "Larry King LIVE", Isaiah seemed to have backpedaled on the ABC racism suggestions and instead focused on accusing T.R. Knight of lying about the original incident to improve his own career. So what happened in October, according to Isaiah?

Early reports indicated, there had been long-simmering tensions on the set due to Isaiah Washington's perfectionism and meticulous approach to work. He could not stand laid back attitude to work and that apparently caused what some would describe as "being difficult to work with."

On the King show, Washington revealed that there had been tensions between Dempsey and himself because of his co-star's poor time management. Allegedly, they were both late on the set one day, because Dempsey needed to get coffee while they were traveling together to a filming location by car keeping the crew waiting for 3 hours.

Even worse, Isaiah said that filming of exterior scenes (for the camping episode "Where the Boys Are") got even more problematic when Dempsey had to leave early causing unnecessary irritating changes in the filming schedule for Washington who had to film a scene with Dempsey's double and stay longer on the set.

This caused Washington a lot of anger and he finally exploded on October 9 when Dempsey was once again late for about 20 minutes. At this point it appeared they would have to wait even longer as Ellen Pompeo was also not present so Washington suggested they film their lines without her.

After Dempsey insisted that they wait for Pompeo Washington shouted: "I don't need Ellen. I can act!" This of course, insulted Dempsey as Washington became very personal and the brawl ensued.



"He [Dempsey] became unhinged, face-to-face, spittle to spittle, in my face -- first. I did not start it. And I'm asking him why is he screaming at me, why are we doing this? Get out of my face. Several times. Several times. And he just becomes irate.

But I'm not understanding why am I being berated to this point in front of our crew, particularly after what we experienced in Seattle. You know, I mean, I think you owe me on apology and I'm being berated.

And by that time I pushed him out of my face and it just took off from there and I began to say a lot of -- a lot of things that I'm not really proud of -- but all referring to myself and how I felt I was being treated."

Washington then admits to using the B-word and the P-word and the F-word, but not in reference to T.R. Knight. He said he was not going to have Dempsey treat him like f*****.

At this point, Washington explained that when he used the F-word he never even thought about it in terms of sexual orientation, but rather as a reference to one being weak.

Now, this is the point when Katherine Heigl's suggestion that this man should not be allowed to speak publicly comes to mind and I mean that for his own good. It appears he may not necessarily have the worst intentions, but he always puts things in the worst possible manner.

Perhaps he really wanted to clear the air on January 15 (the move he says he wishes to take back more than anything), but he simply chose a bad way to do so. And even now - how on Earth does the fact that by using the F-word he meant to indicate one's weakness make things any better?

Washington also said he does not want to file a lawsuit against ABC, but his lawyers are investigating all options.

He broke down when he spoke of Sandra Oh sending him an email of support from her holiday in Spain.

Finally, he said he has several interesting projects lined up, including some exciting series television work.

As the interview concluded, Larry King asked Isaiah Washington what he has learned from the experience and he said "just be the actor, don't worry about the production issues, and at times of great stress - keep your mouth shut."

Hopefully, Isaiah Washington will stick to that advice effective immediately.

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Isaiah Washington Says ABC Racist, Rehab Crap

The day will come when shamed "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington will stop being entertaining and I will ignore his rants. Today is not that day. Oh, no. In his new interview, Washington calls his rehab "crap put out by ABC".

You have to hand it to this guy - he sure knows how to spark up controversy. Too bad the most dramatic moment of his acting career may actually take place off-screen.

In a new interview with "Newsweek" magazine, Isaiah claims he was fired because of racism. He also says there is no rehab for homophobia - it was just "crap" put out by the network.

"I went into an executive counseling program which many people in this industry know about and go to. They knew what the program was but chose to call it what they wanted to fit their agenda. And more importantly, I volunteered for it because I wanted to understand my fight with Patrick and how it got out of hand like that. I thought [ABC] sending me meant they actually wanted me to succeed and come out on the other end."

Washington then attacked ABC saying race played a significant role in the decision to let him go:

"Someone heard the booming voice of a black man and got really scared and that was the beginning of the end for me. It didn't help me on the set that I was a black man who wasn't a mush-mouth Negro walking around with his head in his hands all the time. … I had a person in human resources tell me after this thing played out that 'some people' were afraid of me around the studio. I asked her why, because I'm a 6'1" black man with dark skin and who doesn't go around saying 'Yessah, massa sir' and 'No sir, massa' to everyone?'"

Interestingly enough Washington acknowledges his on-set temper troubles (which, in addition to homophobic-slur-fiasco, appeared to have played a significant part in the decision to terminate his employment) with the following statement:

"I have a mind of my own and I do speak it when I feel it's right. In this business that's considered being difficult and hard to deal with."

Although Washington did not mention his last week's theory about the conspiracy created by T.R. Knight and Katherine Heigl, he does seem detemined to take everyone down with him as he descends into a PR-grave he has dug out for himself.\

Meanwhile, ABC has declined to comment.

Call me superficial, but I can't wait to see the actor's appearance on Larry King LIVE on Monday. Oh, boy! The fun has only begun.

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The T.R. Knight Conspiracy Theory

Every time I write a post about this story I say to myself - that's it, this is really the last one. But, how can you leave a story like this, when every time it only gets juicier and crazier? In an interview with gay activist Keith Boykin, Isaiah Washington claims T.R. Knight, who allegedly couldn't care less about the gay community, conspired with Katherine Heigl to have him and Patrick Dempsey (!) removed from "Grey's Anatomy."

On Thursday evening, Washington said to Boykin he stood by everything he had said in his local newspaper Houston Chronicle and went on to further describe the situation on the set by revealing an alleged clash between T.R. Knight and Patrick Dempsey who, according to Washington, are not on the speaking terms. In fact, Washington now claims Patrick Dempsey thinks T.R. Knight should have been fired, too.

Here is now, word for word, what Isaiah said to Keith:


"I'm not firing back at anybody else in the cast but T.R. Knight and Katie Heigl because they both know as well as Chandra Wilson knows that T.R. Knight was very tactical in trying to remove me from the show because he knows that I know, and I was gagged, that he has been working on a conspiracy to get Patrick Dempsey and myself off the show for the last year and a half."

"The only reason I used his name, T.R., in the argument was because he had led me to believe that Patrick Dempsey was so abusive and so horrible to people in a two and a half hour conversation on the plane. For two and a half hours, this boy talked my ear off, Keith, about how horrible Patrick Dempsey is and how he needs to be removed from the show. And in my argument, the irony of it is that Patrick happened to show some behavior that was very in line with what T.R. was telling me on the plane and I challenged T.R. to deny it or say this isn't true."

"All the dirty macking that he gave me about Patrick Dempsey led me to believe that Patrick was trying to treat me in a disrespectful manner, in the same kind of manner apparently accorded to T.R. that Patrick had treated him. And even to this day, when I went back to the set Patrick Dempsey and T.R. still have a rift and are still not on speaking terms. They do not talk to each other..."



"I know Patrick Dempsey has supported me by stating that if there is anyone that needs to be fired it is T.R. Knight because he has created such a negative environment on that set because he felt like he has not been treated and given the same leading man kinds of story lines that have been given to Patrick and Isaiah. He felt like his character was being treated very caricatureish and dopey and he wanted a change. That's why you see his character changing so significantly into being all of a sudden this really dopey guy into being this uber he-man that's sleeping with everyone."

"This is something that T.R. Knight has been trying to do and using the incident of the so-called F-word that was targeted at him, which is a flat out lie, to blackmail the writers into doing his bidding, and it's not working. The producers are not happy about it, and quite frankly, they all think that something has gone awfully awry with the stability of T.R. Knight. And I can freely say this now because I am no longer a Disney employee and I am no longer gagged. But everyone there, including the producers, all the way up to Touchstone, are very disappointed in the behavior of T.R. Knight."

"And let me be clear Keith. All of this I'm saying to you has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he's gay. He came out October 19 as purely a tactical move to do exactly what it did, get public opinion in an outrage to lead them to believe that he is being picked on because he is gay. He could care less about the gay community."


So, let's see if I got this straight...


#1 Patrick Dempsey and the producers and everyone at Touchstone is disappointed in T.R. Knight. Why did they fire Isaiah Washington then?

#2 T.R. Knight led Isaiah Washington to believe (prior to the original October incident) that Patrick Dempsey was "horrible." And that is the reason why Isaiah said to Patrick (during that incident): "I am not your little f***** like T.R."?! Doesn't Isaiah's use of the homophobic slur in that outburst actually indicate that he thought Patrick and T.R. were close friends?

#3 T.R. Knight conspired to have Isaiah and Patrick removed from the show so he could become more of a leading man. So, in essence, T.R. was stupid enough to think he could have the show's #1 male star Dempsey removed?



Well, this guy certainly doesn't know how to lose with dignity, does he now? In fact, by ranting in all these places (he will appear on CNN's Larry King LIVE next Friday) it appears he is revealing that very temper that got him into trouble in the first place.

I would love to hear from Patrick Dempsey, though. Whether there is even a glimmer of truth in what Isaiah is saying in the media or whether he is a delusional man with a serious anger management problem, Dempsey is the one who could finally set the record straight.

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Isaiah Washington Attacks T.R. Knight

Fired "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington is not going away without a fight. In an interview with Houston Chronicle, the actor claims "there is no way in his heart he could be homophobic" and says T.R. Knight should have been fired because he manipulated the entire incident to "get himself a raise and stop being perceived as a dopey character and become the leading man."

Washington also claims that when T.R. Knight said on the Ellen show in January of this year that he called him a f***** - he lied. He are the actor's words taken from a telephone interview with the publication:

"I used the word during a disagreement with Patrick. I apologized for that. We shook hands and went back to work."

"I am considering a lawsuit. My livelihood, my honor and dignity and my name have been so challenged."

"I did everything I said I would do. I offered to go to counseling, to do a public service announcement. I wanted everyone to know I was remorseful."

"My use of the word at the [Golden Globes] awards ceremony was taken out of context. I was responding to a reporter's question about whether I had used the slur."

"That was a shock. I did everything they told me to do, including not saying anything, and then they didn't renew my contract. That's not fair."

"I'm not angry. I'm disappointed."

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"Grey's" Creator Rhimes Breaks Her Silence, Sort Of

There he goes again! Perhaps Katherine Heigl was right. Perhaps Isaiah Washington shouldn't be allowed to speak publicly for his own good. Fired "Grey's Anatomy" star made some fresh comments about his much publicized dismissal angering "Grey's" honchos. Now, "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes breaks her silence. But would she criticize her good pal Isaiah?

Earlier this week, Washington's publicist said to TV Guide he and his client did not understand why the actor was let go since he had done everything that the network had asked him to, including a meeting with representatives of GLAAD and a PSA with anti-discrimination message.

According to the magazine, the people behind "Grey's Anatomy" believed that "Isaiah missed the point that he should have been apologizing and working on his anger issues because it's the right thing to do and it wasn't just supposed to be an empty exercise he went through for the sake of appearances."

Allegedly, Isiah was let go at the end of the season although the incident occurred way back in January for legal and creative reasons. Letting him go at the end of his current contract cycle appeared to have been the easiest thing to do. The decision may have been made though as early as February.



Now, the show creator Shonda Rhimes broke her silence at last night's Crystal + Lucy Awards honoring Women in Film.

"I don’t want to read the tabloids," she remarked, "and I feel like we wrote the show in a way that really completes the story of [Washington's character] Burke, and that is a really strong thing."

The scribe also dismissed the idea Washington would be replaced with another actor playing Preston Burke:

"I've said it before, I and I will say it again. I don’t believe in replacing one actor with another," she said. "I think [a replacement is] a little bit odd in terms of somebody who has been on the show for three years."

There you have it. Diplomatic as always. Did she agree with the decision? Who made the decision? We may never know.

If Washington didn't use the homophobic slur, I suppose I would feel sorry for the guy. He appears not have a clue what he is talking about. Although people rarely change, perhaps this will be a valuable lesson that will help him grow.

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Angry Isaiah May Fight Back

And I was hoping we could put this one behind us. Actor Isaiah Washington is livid that he was fired from ABC's hit drama "Grey's Anatomy" and he may fight back in court. The backstage soap opera continues.

As TV Guide reports, the actor is puzzled by the timing of the decision. His rep, Howard Bragman had this to say: "If they wanted to fire him why didn't they fire him when [the incident] happened?"

"Why did they say, 'Here's what you need to do if you want to come back… ' and then, when he did everything that was asked of him, he still gets fired. Why do you treat somebody like that?"

"If you made a mistake, you acknowledged the mistake, you went into counseling, you met with the groups, you did the PSA, you did everything that was asked of you, and then they still kick you in the gut? How would you feel?"

"There was a discussion and it was agreed upon that this is what needs to be done to come back, and he did everything," he added. "And, in fact, WE were the ones that pushed for the PSA."

He does have a point there. I always said Isaiah should have been fired way back in January. Reproached in October, fired in January. Was Shonda Rhimes trying to protect the creative flow of the show?

In any event, the actor will be looking into legal options, although no decision has been made whether to file a lawsuit or not.

Although I initially worred he may have a case there, an ABC Studio executive assures that the producers have the legal right to not pick up an actor's option – with or without cause.

To Be Continued. Unfortunately.

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Has Isaiah Washington Been Fired After All?

Actor Isaiah Washington will try to persuade the nation he is not a homophobe when his anti-hate PSA debuts tonight during back-to-back episodes of "Grey's Anatomy" 9-11 p.m. on ABC. Meanwhile his return to the set of the hit drama in July remains uncertain.

According to Washington's rep Howard Bragman, the actor fully expects to be back in the fall. The rep also said that although the deal is not done, Washinton has no reason to believe he won't be putting on the scrubs.

Last week's season finale episode left the fate of Washington's character Dr. Preston Burke uncertain after he called off his wedding to intern Christina Yang and moved out of the apartment.

Yesterday, New York Post reported that Washington will no longer be a regular on the blockbuster drama, but he may show up in a number of future episodes as a recurring character.

According to the tabloid, the cast - especially the women - simply do not like the actor. US Weekly reported in October that he is, however, considered to be good friends with the show creator Shonda Rhimes.

The actor's employment has been in question ever since the Golden Globes Press Room fiasco when he used the homophobic slur f***** in connection with gay co-star T.R. Knight, for the second time (the initial incident occurred in October 2006).

At the time, co-star Katherine Heigl who is good friends with T.R. Knight, said Isaiah Washington should not be allowed to speak publicly. Following pressure from gay rights groups the actor agreed to do an anti-hate Public Service Announcement.

According to spoiler sleuths at TV Guide and E! Online, the actor's future with the show remains uncertain and he has just had several meetings to discuss other non-Grey's roles during the regular TV season.

That means he either already knows he will not be returning to the set on a regular basis, or he is trying to come up with a Plan B, should ABC and Shonda Rhimes decide not to renew his contract.

I personally believe if ABC is indeed letting Isaiah Washington go they should have done that months ago.

After the original incident ABC pretended as if nothing happened, and then after the second one in January they reproached him and distanced themselves from his comments.

I believe they should have acknowledged the incident and distanced themselves from his comments immediately in October, and then fired the actor in January regardless of ongoing storylines.

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T.R. Knight "Blue" About "Grey's" Incident

T.R. Knight, who plays the beloved George "McCuddly" O'Malley on ABC's mega-hit "Grey's Anatomy," has given an interview to The Advocate magazine (out June 19) in which he dodges direct questions about the Isaiah incident in a telling manner.

The October 2006 on-set incident suggested T.R.'s castmate Isaiah Washington was a homophobe and it forced the gay actor out of the closet. Significant repercussions at the hand of series creator Shonda Rhimes never materialized even after a repeat offensive in January.

AfterElton.com obtained the following excerpt from the interview:

"When asked if Washington had apologized to him personally, Knight initially responded, 'Which time?' Then, when pressed, he said, 'What a lovely blue sky.' When queried about whether Rhimes had come to him and asked what he wanted to happen, he paused thoughtfully before saying, 'I like blueberries. Do you like blueberries?'"

The fate of both characters on the show remains uncertain following the third season finale which aired on Thursday night.

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Isaiah Washington Joins Catholic Priest Pedophilia Drama

Actor Isaiah Washington who generated negative publicity for ABC's hit drama "Grey's Anatomy" with his use of homophobic language will star in an indie film as a priest who returns to the Catholic high school where he was sexually abused.

Hollywood press reports the movie "The Least of These," which is budgeted for $1 million, will focus on the corruption of priests who do not speak out to protect abuse victims.

Scriptwriter and director Nathan Scoggins said he reached out to Washington because of an interview Washington gave in which he said he was no longer being offered roles in films because of fallout from the homophobic incident.

Scoggins, a campus church founder, is a former Christian singer-songwriter and nondenominational Christian worship leader, who said that his wife suggested Washington for the role.

Scoggins also noted he would ensure the movie is not perceived to link pedophilia to homosexuality.

"We focus exclusively on the corruption of other priests who choose not to step in and say something," he said.

"Isaiah's character stays razor focused on the situation and (on) not condemning a whole section of the population."

The month-long shooting begins in June in Los Angeles.

The screenplay won Scoggins the inaugural Art Within fellowship for screenwriters of faith last year.

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"Grey's Anatomy" Star Isaiah Washington's Homophobic Scandal To Cost Him Millions

NAACP Award winner Isaiah Washington who plays Dr. Preston Burke on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" has said to Entertainment Weekly he does not know whether he will be coming back to the medical drama for a fourth season. Although ABC insists he will, TV Guide reports he will not be getting a raise, unlike his co-stars Pompeo, Dempsey and Oh.

Although all actors are bound by 7-year contracts, a standard in the TV industry, studios often reward their cast members if a show becomes popular, for which reason Patrick Dempsey is now expected to earn more than $200,000 per episode and his co-star Sandra Oh a little over $100,000.

Katherine Heigl was also offered a raise, but the actress pulled out of contract negotiations February 27, because she "didn't feel the studio valued her as much as her co-stars," People Magazine reported.

Now TV Guide reports, the producers are using Washington's homophobic scandal to keep his salary down. The f-word fiasco may cost the actor millions of dollars, and he will, the magazine adds, have to find a way to live with it.

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