Send a message to ABC
FIRE ISAIAH WASHINGTON !!!!
To: ABC
On Wednesday, October 11, 2006, People Magazine reported Isaiah Washington and Patrick Dempsey, two stars of the hit show "Grey’s Anatomy" got into a fight. The fight originated from Washington being flustered that co-stars where late to work. Reportedly Washington said an inappropriate comment to T.R Knight, one of the leading actors in Grey’s Anatomy. Mad at Washington’s comment, Dempsey said "Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?" The argument quickly heated and Washington grabbed Dempsey by the throat and yelled "I’m not your little Faggot like T.R Knight". According to sources from the set people were shocked.
On Thursday, October 19, 2006, People Magazine reported that Knight confirmed exclusively to them that he is gay. In his official statement, Knight tells people:
"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."
On October 22, 2006, TMZ reported that the scuffle between Washington and Dempsey wasn’t his first fight on a set that got physical. In 2000 Washington was shooting for the show "Soul Food." They were shooting a scene where Washington was supposed to give his wife a "superficial kiss." The crew was shocked when they saw what happened when shooting the scene; Washington gave her a "forceful, aggressive kiss" and the actress was left startled and mad. Washington became angry with her and began to shout at her. The director and executive producer came in to correct Washington on how he is supposed to approach the scene. Washington then turned and began yelling at them. Also in 1997 Washington was on the set of a TV show called "High Incident." He was a guest on the show, but was quickly changed after he and a crew member got into a "physical altercation." The incident was so serious that the police were called.
Many fans became outraged of what Washington said about Knight and the double standard in society of it being ok to discriminate against homosexuals. Soon there were rumors floating around about Washington possibly being replaced for his actions on the set of Grey’s Anatomy. Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy gave this statement:
"I found (those rumors) not only ridiculous but offensive that we would consider replacing a member of our family," Rhimes tells PEOPLE. "And also the (idea) that one black man was interchangeable with another seemed disturbing to me."
After that statement AfterElton.com asked the question "If Knight had called Washington the N-word, wouldn't he be fired?"
Being on a hit TV show is a privilege, not a right. Arguing is one thing but physical violence and discrimination against your co-stars whether their race or sexuality is in a whole different ball park. This has not been the first time Isaiah has had an incident on a set, and if he doesn’t seek anger management it surely will not be his last.
If you want Isaiah Washington off Grey’s Anatomy and replaced by an actor who will actually appreciate being on a successful show sign this petition. Thank you for taking the time out to read this.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
