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FACEBOOKNo, he should not be fired. Worst things have been said. If you notice, he used this guy as gay because he was afraid to say something, not because of his sex of choice, not because he was in fact gay, it was the next day or so that he came out of the closet. This makes no sense at all. They should be made to ask him back.
Us Poll: Should Isaiah Be Fired?
Thursday October 19, 2006
ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection
Thursday October 19, 2006
ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection
Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington (aka: Dr. Preston Burke) reportedly hurled a gay slur at one of his costars during his fight with cast member Patrick Dempsey last week, The National Enquirer reported Wednesday. During the October 9 on-set brawl between Washington and Dempsey over cast members being late to the set, a heated discussion ensued and Washington reportedly yelled, “I’m not your little f-ggot like [name redacted],” according to an Enquirer source. Those within earshot were said to be stunned.
Because of the extreme nature of the slur, The Enquirer withheld the name of the costar to whom it was directed. But it appears that the incident ended up forcing cast member T.R. Knight out of the closet. Earlier today, Knight announced that he’s gay in a statement saying, "I guess there have been a few questions about my sexuality, and I'd like to quiet any unnecessary rumors that may be out there. While I prefer to keep my personal life private, I hope the fact that I'm gay isn't the most interesting part of me."
Meanwhile, the cast is said to be reeling over the incident. “The melee has set off World War III on the show and may cost Isaiah his job,” an insider told The Enquirer.
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You tell Us. Should Isaiah be fired?
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Posted by Noelle Hancock at 5:33 pm ET
136 Comments
8:50 PM
Anonymous Says:
6:51 PM
Anonymous Says:
Here's an idea, lets just use first initials for every freakin word in the english language, shall we? The "N" word, the the "F" word, the "abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz" word! When does it stop and who in the heck dictates whats to be unacceptable to me or not. Is there a committee I can write to so that my voice can be heard as to whats an acceptable word to use in the heat of an argument?
Wow! The things people get bent over! How about the real issues in the world. Do you all think that our service men and women in Iraq really give a rats behind what a couple of actors said to each other in the heat of the moment? You really think that the starving child in any part of this world really cares whether T.R. Knight is gay or not?
Shame on all of you for giving this so much attention! Attention that it so seriously does not deserve!
Should he lose his job? Hmmm, lets see? Does he do his job well? Does he show up for work? Does he do the press junkets that are required of him? Was he given an employee handbook that makes an issues of derogotary slurs said in the work place? At best write the guy up or give him a verbal warning!
When did our actors become the people that we have hold our moral compass? Why are they held to a higher standard then the regular "joes" of the world? Is this money envy talking here? Some need to do some reflection before blasting us with their venom? How would you like your son or daughter, mother or father, etc. treated had they been in the same situation? Should they have been fired? Makes you think huh?
6:27 PM
Anonymous Says:
OMG!... the outrage and hoopla over this... its a word that was said out of anger... period... if you're so thin-skinned as to let it bother you so much that you would see someone lose their job over it... then you need help!!!! I believe its what's wrong with this country... we all walk around as bleeding hearts wearing them on our sleeves... did he call you this personally? where you there to observe it? how did it offend you.. cause you heard it thru a "third" party!... if Knight is so sensitive about his sexuality... (and btw... I absolutely adore him most of the times on the show)... then thats his issue to deal with... and that is something that should be handled between the two men in private!... the PC'ers of the world would have us walking around as robots... having the correct thing to say in each situation... we're all human beings... and make mistakes... and maybe it wasn't a mistake for Washington... maybe its how he feels and he has an ABSOLUTE right to that... when we have our thoughts and feelings censored and consequences such as losing your job as a result of it... then thats a world that i dont want my children to grow up in... because will it stop there... just a lost job... how much further will it have to go to appease those that would impose their morality on others... what if we start killing each other over it... will that then satisfy you blood thirsty hypocrites... cause please... hand me a stone for those that live in glass houses! i've been called names throughout my life... and at times i've done some name calling... am i proud of it... no! but its how we learn what our boundaries are and if we can treat each other the way we like to be treated... the world would be a much better place... the PC people of the world... take a valium or some such and "seriously" get over yourselves! its a poor reflection on human beings when we need to filter every f#@!ing thing we say just in case it will bother some that may hear it 2000 miles away... ~sigh~
"Seriously?"
"Seriously!"
8:01 PM
oh_ya Says:
HELLO ALL HE DID WAS SAY bleep, SHOULD SOMEONE BE FIRED [LET ALONE GO TO REHAB] FOR SAYING THAT??!! EVERYONE WOULD GO TO "REHAB" FOR WHAT THEY SAY IF THAT WAS THE CASE [IF EVERYONE WAS A CELEBRITY]. IT'S A FREE COUNTRY FOR GOODNESS SAKES, SAY WHAT YOU WANT!!!!
9:59 PM
Anonymous Says:
I NEVER WATCH THIS SHOW BUT WHO CARES FIRE HIM . HE LOOKS LIKE A NEWB
10:39 AM
Lisa Says:
NO WAY should he be fired! Get over it already & move on. If one of the ladies on set would have called another one b---h, s--t, w---re or something else, would everyone be demanding they be fired because their actions were inappropriate? No. There is not one person who can honestly say that they have never made a mistake and embarrassed themselves & others in public. He screwed up... who doesn't? It was a bad move & inconsiderate but everyone makes mistakes. Move on. If he is fired for making a bad decision, then there are a lot of us that also would be without jobs right now.
He is very talented and I cannot begin to imagine the show without Dr. Burke (or worse yet Dr Burke played by someone else)
6:54 PM
Linda Says:
I really think this has been so overblown. AS another reader said, get over it. As far as I'm concerned, they can lose T.R. Knight and not lose a thing. He adds nothing and his character is boring and one-dimensional.
6:47 PM
Anonymous Says:
Mr Washington should be fired. If this happened at the company I work for he would have been out the door the day it happened...done...finished...over...
5:37 PM
Caro Says:
Yeah he said something really stupid, but he shouldn't lose his job over it! People make mistakes. Unless you have actually talked to him face to face about it, I don't think we have the right to judge him because we probably don't have the full story. I've forgotten the name of guy who plays George but he seems like a really decent guy and I'm sure if Isiah were to stay on it would all be ok and they would live happily ever after.
11:34 PM
~Maggie* Says:
GET OVER IT!!
People make racist, biggot, thoughtless comments all the time, every day, and so because this guy is in the spotlight, he has a special responsibility? Maybe... but fire him??? No way! Someone else said it, but I'll say it again, he is the sexiest one on that show.
He's attending the sensitivity training or whatever, so...
I think it's beyond extreme to fire him based on one comment.
I tried to vote in the poll, but I couldn't find the link...
DON'T FIRE HIM!!!
11:46 PM
Anonymous Says:
I just don't get it? So many scream about the usage of the word fg, fgs, and/or fgt, etc., But you have no thought or heartburn using the word handicap and/ or handicapped, and it slams the disabled just as fg or fgt does for gays. So stop complaining, or help mount a campaign to right the wrong over the improper and incorrect usage of these cruel words and make it fair huh?
Fg was originally French word that was said as f-gotto and was used for "a bundle of sticks," that evolved into an offensive remark towards homosexuals. And as it appears, something this community finds distasteful.
Handicap came from old English usage for betting but as with fg or fgt, it has evolved into a negative remark towards the disabled as outstretched hands begging for money in their cap; or hand in cap.
So how about a little help eh mate? Those of us with a disability would rather be referred to as disabled instead of handicapped. Some of the country has it right but the vast majority does not. However, most all of the country knows or believes they know that the word fg or fgt refers to a gay man. So for the majority of all of us, we don't know as much as we think but there's always a little room for improvement... I'll promise you this, I won't call you a fgt if you won't call me handicapped!
Thanks for reading, and all the best.
11:42 PM
Anonymous Says:
I just don't get it? So many scream about the usage of the word bleep, bleeps, and/or bleep, etc., But you have no thought or heartburn using the word handicap and/ or handicapped, and it slams the disabled just as bleep or bleep does for gays. So stop complaining, or help mount a campaign to right the wrong over the improper and incorrect usage of these cruel words and make it fair huh?
bleepett was originally French word that was said as bleepotto and was used for "a bundle of sticks," that evolved into an offensive remark towards homosexuals. And as it appears, something this community finds distasteful.
Handicap came from old English usage for betting but as with bleep or bleep, it has evolved into a negative remark towards the disabled as outstretched hands begging for money in their cap; or hand in cap.
So how about a little help eh mate? Those of us with a disability would rather be referred to as disabled instead of handicapped. Some of the country has it right but the vast majority does not. However, most all of the country knows or believes they know that the word bleep or bleept refers to a gay man. So for the majority of all of us, we don't know as much as we think but there's always a little room for improvement... I'll promise you this, I won't call you a bleep if you won't call me handicapped!
Thanks for reading, and all the best.
10:56 AM
T. T Says:
I don't think any form of discrimination should be tolerated. Mr. Washington said a deragatory comment, repeated it while denying ever saying it in the first place, then apologized for it after getting heat. When someone chooses to apologize after being chastized for their behavior red flags have to be raised as to the character of this person.
6:44 PM
Antoinette Says:
No way! There's probably more to the story. No one says a remark like that "out of the blue". Besides he's the sexiest one on the show...forget, McDreamy or McSteamy!!!
8:57 PM
carrie Says:
Give him a chance to learn from his mistakes. Seriously.
11:58 PM
TJ from Indiana Says:
Maybe an angerment management class is more needed. Lets think about it. He was in a heated dispute and used a derrogitory term that he shouldnt have, its happend before and it will happen again. Sticks and stones ... yadi yadi ya. If you think for one moment that he should lose his job then remember the 90% of the NBA should too. The reason they havent been fired is because its entertainment. Keep him because he is a great entertainer and his role with Sandra Oh is the only reason this is a GREAT show. < take it home. chew it up. its good.
3:04 PM
Anonymous Says:
Fire the jerk. You do not have freedom of speech at work. This was a second offense and is unacceptable. He is a bad role model, alousy cast member and not a great actor. I won't watch the show until the bigot is removed.
ABC better do something. They are open for lawsuits from employees that clearly work in a hostile enviroment.
1:34 PM
Anonymous Says:
If Knight had called him a N, would this be an issue? Most of you believe that someone would have already lost his job. I'm almost willing to bet that the majority of people who believe that are white. Why, because America still hasn't advanced as far as it needs to, and too many people are still crying about what they can and cannot do. I don't think anyone would have been fired if the N word had been used. I don't even think we'd know about unless Washington put Knight into the hospital as a result of it. I think that Washington would have been man enough to handle it amongst those involved. But what you all forget is, that's not the case. So the comparison is unnecessary and pretty irrelevant to the case. He is wrong for what he said. It's a word. If you take offense to it, you take offense to it. I'm gay, and I take no offense to it whatsoever. People will continue to say if the N word were dropped then this or that would have happened. Ok, so here's a question for all of you people who are still to stupid to look beyond race: If Dr. McDreamy had made the comment to Knight, what would you say then? It's sad that race has to play a part EVERY SINGLE TIME there is an incident between individuals of opposite races. At times it makes me ashamed to be white, because there's no need for that. Some of you are just using this as a valid excuse to use the N word. Grow up! Everyone! This is none of our business, and it doesn't concern us. We could go over what ifs all day, but still they will not matter. What matters is the F word that was used, and it was used in reference to a gay male froma straight male. What if Washington was gay? What if Knight wasn't gay? See, the what if factor is ridiculous and has no space to play a part in situations such as these. As far as him being forced out of the closet? Give me a break. He could have kept his mouth shut. I didn't know there were questions about his sexuality until he released his little statement. If there isn't work for an openly gay man, then guess what, Washington isn't the only person we should be taking votes on and writing comments about. Americans can be so surface level. Look beyond people. This is pointless and ridiculous. Something that would be over if people weren't so involved in the lives of others. -
1:19 PM
Anonymous Says:
Absolutely ridiculous! No, this man should not be fired for making a comment that none of us heard, therefore none of us know how the word was used. Was it wrong either way? Sure it was, but whose business is that? Not ours. This wouldn't be an issue if neither of them were famous. It probably wouldn't even be an issue if it were a less popular show. I've heard the N-bomb being dropped on television by reality show cast members, where are the polls about them? I sure haven't seen any. I'm an individual who is in a same sex relationship, and I think this entire thing has been blown into something to gain publicity. In my opinion, Knight is acting like a little school girl. Is it all that necessary to go and cry to Ellen about the incident? It isn't. Be a man, gay or straight, and handle that on your own time with Washington. No one else has to be involved, and if someone else were to be involved, it should only be the cast and possibly immediate family of Knight and Washington. This is only happening because he is in the spotlight, and I think that's shameful. Famous or not, these are still people who make mistakes, just as all of us do. I've called people that name before, but guess what it had nothing to do with their sexuality. I've had friends jokingly say that word to me, and even getting into a fight with a sibling led that word to be thrown at me. Did I cry about it and run to the nearest camera so that I could let the world know? No, I didn't, because I knew the manner that it was used in. Even if it had been in relation to my sexual orientation, guess what, I still wouldn't have needed Ellen or any anti-gay organization. Why? Because I'm an adult who doesn't need attention or anyone else to fight my battles. No, Washington shouldn't be fired. Yes, he should be held accountable, and yes Knight should grow some balls, and yes everyone should get over it. It's none of our business anyway.
7:49 PM
Anonymous Says:
i think it is stupid to hold a statement said out of anger against isaiah.... everyone knows they have said one or two things they regret out of anger before too... why should he lose his job over it?? he is a big deal on the show, that is why he is a MAIN CHARACTER... without him it just wouldn't be the same.
5:54 PM
Chris Simmons Says:
Yes he should be fired.
2:07 PM
KC Says:
I am just getting into this show. But when I heard that bleep comment that Washington made, it did make me question his place on the show. What really makes this show is that we really believe in these characters and who they are on this show. But in real life when you find out that they are arrogant bleeps, it is hard to have the same love for the character as you once did. What a dream job to have and why in the hell would you jeopardize the whole cast because of your own stupidity?? I could care less if Washington stayed on the show at all, its not all about him anyway! I wish he could get over himself, grow-up, and do that thing people do in a work environment-- maintain professionalism!
9:15 PM
Nikola Says:
Yes, I do believe he should be fired. His behavior is inappropriate, not to mention he is bringing about alot of negative attention to the show as well.
7:56 PM
Scott Says:
Yes he should be fired. This is unacceptable.
7:54 PM
Anonymous Says:
I don't think it was a racial slur. I think it would have been said regardless of the sexual preference of his costar. I think it's like saying "I'm not your puppet..." or "I'm not your B*!*!@.=" I am not trying to be vulgar, but no I don't think he should be fired. I don't think it was a nice thing to say about anyone but I don't believe he made a racial slur towards his costar. It was a burst of anger and that's all. Plus if people can't take the heat, they need to out of the entertainment industry. I'll be honest, I couldn't take it, but I don't have to be around it. I don't think the quality of a really good show should be compromised.
10:52 AM
Randi Says:
He should be fired. He obviously did not learn his lesson - this is his 2nd offense. At first he denied the accusation, and he offered up an apology(clearly written by "his people"), because he knows his career is on the line. The show will survive - ER has done very well, and does not have the orignal main characters left. In the corporate world this would be considered sexual harrasment - and the gulity party would be transferred at the least if not admonished. I say, get rid of him, fire him and move on.
9:39 AM
Anonymous Says:
If he leaves the show, I will stop watching. All original cast members add a special dynamic to the show and there would be a hole without him. If TR Knight left, I would not care, but Isaiah apologized, he has a strong character on the show and there would be a void. If they take him off, I will watch something else as will a lot of other people. Grey's Anatomy would become a show watched more by G.a.y.s and people who get angry (aka Rosie) if you do not agree with the g.a.y. lifestyle.
2:11 AM
Rene Says:
Yes, he should be fired. Not only did he say the word once - but TWICE! So I will say it twice - "Yes, he should be fired".
8:26 PM
ME Says:
Why can homosexuals use this word but straight person can't ! That is screwed up. That goes for the N word also; blacks can call each other it but god help a non black person if they use it. Let the cast decide if they want to work with Isaiah or not.
I don't want to see him go, that may affect my discussion to watch the show or not.
7:18 PM
Anonymous Says:
Most of the people posting could be called something that would offend them, he's been warned by ABC previously on offensive behavior if it was any of us at work we would be fired already.
