Losing Isaiah

Mark
June 14 2007, 9:47AM

All I have to say, is that the show will now have a gay white male character, and that ABC will make sure that every black character on the show is let go or has an diminished role, since IW was "so bad" we have to teach them all a lesson. This is where the gay and black collide for me, I will always be black first, and gay second or third. Black people gay or straight have little to no power in Hollywood, never have, never will. The gay white men never took the apology for one minute, and have derided him for his vile comments since then, and made sure he was fired, no matter how much they deny it.

Washington should have been let go or put on probation after the first incident he had, and then this would have never spiraled out of control. I've never seen the show, and now have no need to at all, but whish him well, although, I would bet, his career is over in Hollywood at this point in time.

It is mainly along racial lines in the gay community, whites happy they "won," blacks in the middle of it all.

ToddyEnglish
June 14 2007, 9:59AM

Okay, I don't see the above mentioned scenario occurring happening seeing as the show is written and produced by a black female.

I'm sorry, but Isaiah got his comeuppance. Just because he is a black man does not make him above reproach. Had the script been flipped and TR Knight had called Isaiah an anti-black epithet then every single one of us on this board would be calling for his head on a pike. So why should this be any different? Isaiah lost his mind and created a hostile work environment for everyone on the set(and further perpetuated negative stereotypes about black men not being able to control ourselves). That is completely unprofessional and no one should feel threatened on the job.

To me this had nothing to do with race. Yeah, yeah, yeah, he apologized and went to rehab, good on him. But, in the end, he paid a penalty. So I have no sympathy for him whatsoever. I hope he learns from this and keeps acting, but I won't be paying to see him in anything.

C. Baptiste-Williams
June 14 2007, 10:00AM

I have always been a fan of Isaiah from the first time I saw him in Strictly Business to the Stonewall movie and now on Grey's Anatomy. He apologized over and over for his mistake and it is unfortunate that people and ABC have let this one incident depict who he is.

As for the previous comment on ABC diminishing every black character's role... let us remember that Grey's Anatomy is probably the only show on TV right now that shows minority actors in such a positive light. There is Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., and Sara Ramirez still left all having vital roles on this show. Let alone a black female creator, producer Shonda Rhimes.

Sharon
June 14 2007, 10:24AM

Why does everyone have to use that lame comparison if TR had called him the an-word? Just how do any of you know he didn't? I realize that many of you want Saint T. R. to be your gay voice in Hollywood, but, that comparison irks me beyond belief. ABC should have been the ones to fire him, not because of loud voices of some "men" who have power in Hollywood. I for one don't like it when any loud mouthed person or group, be it GLAAD or Jesse Jackson is in a position to fire anyone because they are outraged, that's why there are laws on the books in California that bans what IW did, and they should have followed the letter of the law.

And, it sets up a bad spot for any black actor, who still get the short stick in Hollywood as that old rule still applies, we can't sell movies or television shows around the world with a black lead actor, or whatever their lie is.

I guess I'm too old to let someone call me a name and then proceed to have a nervous breakdown and have all my self esteem washed away.

Cadence
June 14 2007, 10:26AM

You say his use of the f-word isn't reflective of his career, but it may be a reflection of how he treats the people that he works with. We can throw out conspiracy theories about why Washington was fired, but the truth is we really don't know about his relationship with the rest of the cast of Greys. It seems to me that that probably had more to do with his dismissal than anything that GLAAD or anyone else had to say.

By the way, even though Jasmyne and others are confusing the facts, I think we need to keep a couple of things straight. GLAAD nor any other mainstream gay organization ever called for Washington to be fired, in fact, on more than one occassian they said that should not happen.

cmoney
June 14 2007, 10:42AM

I'm not shedding any tears for IW, just like no one shed any tears for Michael "Kramer" Richards when he made his infamous N-word rant. He was wrong there and IW was wrong for using the F-word. We know damn well that if one of his cast members called him the N-word, we would be all over him, calling for his termination. I agree with ToddyEnglish. Yes, Hollywood has a poor history with Black performers, but let's not forget that IW was doing fine in his position until he let his mouth run wild. To now blame his dismissal on race I think is a bit disingenuous. I would no sooner want to work with a racist as I would want to work with a homophobe.

James
June 14 2007, 11:09AM

Its so pathetic when the white gays say that "well what if TR Knight called Isaiah the N word." We ALREADY KNOW the N word is just being blasted all over white gay America. We KNOW TR KNIGHT is calling Isaiah the N word. TR Knight is a mean spirited racist little prick. The white gay men are no friends of black people. Sure white gays whine about homophobia but they always ignore their racism and prejudices. I am so glad Keith and Jasmyne got to SPEAK OUT FOR BLACK GAY AMERICA. We NEED Keith and Jasmyne in the media because we need AN ALTERNATIVE to this obvious racism and bigotry against black people. ABC now has let the MOST important black character on Grey's Anatomy go. There will be a huge void for this show. I also want to point out A LOT of people are VERY MAD about this.

jared
June 14 2007, 11:12AM

I don't think he was treated fairly at all. ABC should have been the one to fire him for his vile words, not being forced by GLAAD, sorry, they were the ones behind it, and I would bet high fiving themselves right now.

And, if they and anyone else thinks that by firing him, its going to "teach" a lesson to other homophobes, get real, you can't teach tolerance by screaming at the top of your lungs, you need to educate people why its wrong, and sorry, none of these so called gay groups have any idea of how to do that, all they have are threats. Even after the civil rights movement of the 1960's, just as many if not more hate blacks now more than they did then.

And, I don't think for one moment that Shonda is really up to not doing what they tell her either, and even though I don't watch, the show will change course to meet the demands of Glaad. While he should have been terminated for his words, it could have been done better, and not due to the shrill screams and threats of the " mainstream gays org.s"

Cadence
June 14 2007, 11:12AM

Also, Washington only apologised to keep his job. As he said yesterday, he did everything that ABC told him to do. How could ABC keep him on if his apology wasn't sincere, and there was no guarantee that he would continue to exhibit the same behavior.
We also cannot forget that it was Washington, not anyone else, who blew this situation out of control with his actions at the Golden Globes. Let's not forget his rant about "wanting to be gay, and wishing he was gay", which again showed that he has no idea about why people were upset, nor any clue that he did anything wrong.

cward
June 14 2007, 11:16AM

Mr. Washington was fired for more reasons than what the public is aware of and what other co-stars can talk about. So many people think they know the truth here on the “internet”, well you do not. My stance is this if are in Hollywood where you are paid an obscene amount of money for what does not come close to brain surgery or teaching or fast food service; keep your mouth closed, hands to yourself and your words kind. If Mr. Washington can not get it right; he is a fool.

The forgiveness that black bloggers and others want to have for Mr. Washington but not for others like Michael Richards (no past history of racial slurs) and Don Imus (he is a "shock jock" he was employed to make insensitive crude comments) is completely self-serving. I suppose visibility at any cost, as with R. Kelly, Akon, and others (whatever happened to the debate about the lyrics in hip hop) the black community will excuse their behaviors because they do not want to see an all white world, in the media or music.

jimjam
June 14 2007, 11:41AM

Keith, I hate to say it, but it appears as if you and Jasmyne are compromising your ideals in order to gain more media attention. Isaiah Washington is a very popular media figure and its obvious that your and Jasmyne's association with him has led to your increased visibility.

Becoming allied with Isaiah Washington has given you and Jasmyne an opportunity to appear on National Public Radio, and for Jasmyne, it has resulted in an all expense paid trip to Sierra Leone.

I have always associated you and Jasmyne with gay rights and and am therefore shocked to see you run to the defense of a homophobic actor who referred to one of his colleagues as a "faggot".

As an African-American lesbian, I am beginning to become unsure of your commitment to the struggles of oppressed people.

What happened to the Keith and Jasmyne that challenged homophobic black people to be more tolerant of gays and lesbians?

Blue
June 14 2007, 12:02PM

See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya ....

Jose
June 14 2007, 12:10PM

Wow, is this Towleroad or what? The negative vibe, minus the blatant, condoned racism of course that has been used on that site about IW is about the same. I condemn his words, and, he should have lost his gig for making such foolish, hateful remarks.

Now that he's gone, will you all who are marching with the white gays now start working on them and their intolerance and racism? They are hardly above reproach to be demanding anyone's head. Because, boo's, you are no better in their eyes than he is, and the white gay oriented web sites roved that ten fold with the racist rants and slurs about him and his comments.

And, for those who wish to denounce Keith and Jasmyne, perhaps, you should steer clear of black gay sites, since we are not all monolithic and agree with everything that is an issue within the black gay community. Or, start your own site to spread the word of how you deem tolerance and fairness should be done.

Xavier Edwards
June 14 2007, 12:34PM

I do no think he should have been fired for this incident. How many times have you been in a gay/SGL and heard the words faggot, sissy and queen loosely thrown around.
Subsequently the question is not what makes IW above reproach rather it is why now, why this instance of the use of the word faggot?
I constantly hear the media and other members of the majority question blacks use of the n-word in popular culture and/or to identify themselves—their main argument is that since blacks use the n-word to identify themselves then others should be allowed to do so as well. This same argument attaches to the use of the word faggot by the gay community. If you don’t want other to use towards you then you yourself should stop using the word as well.

Cadence
June 14 2007, 12:34PM

Jose, condemning what Isaiah said and believing that no one should have to be harrassed at work, whether its sexual or racial harrassment, isn't the same as condoning the racial intolorance of the mainstream gay community. I don't need GLAAD to tell me that Isaiah was wrong, just like I didn't need Al Sharpton to tell me that Imus was wrong. I would be a hypocrite, if like others, I supported Isaiah based on his race alone, and didn't hold him accountable for his actions. How can we hold Isaiah to a lower standard than the white gay community that you speak of?

cward
June 14 2007, 12:36PM

Just because someone is black and does not agree with the mainstream thought out there does not diminish their race and/or personal integrity.

So many people are just reacting and in 2-3 days no one will remember this. This a clear matter of opinion and while so many people want to stake their claim to the Isaiah Washington fiasco; my greater truth is that I really do not care, do you? should you?.

Those beings that live in Hollywood which is a make believe world that has little to no interaction with the real world. However I understand how much the greater culture depends on it. I am sure that Isaiah has been paid handsomely for his contract termination and will work again. For me, it is much akin to the black community rallying around OJ Simpson, simply because they did not want to see another black man put in jail; well we all know how that turned out and if many blacks would re-cast their vote to guilty.

Blue
June 14 2007, 12:52PM

I think Cadence hit it dead on. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. It's not a matter of race. What he did wasn't right. And yes, if TR called him the N-word every black person on Earth would want his ass out, including me! Because that would be wrong too. It's not about GLAAD, it's not about Keith, Jasmyne or anybody else. Actions have consequences people ... face it. If he were in a corporate office, he'd be out of a job too. I for one am tired of black heteros spouting off the F-word and masking their ignorance with Bible verses, when we as a people still have one foot on the plantation. So I don't have much sympathy for him folks. Like somebody said, I don't wanna work with black homophobes or white racists - they are one in the same to me.

Jose
June 14 2007, 1:00PM

Cadence, we won't agree on this at all, as I don't follow nor believe anything the "mainstream gay groups" say and I don't believe in conspiracy theories, but, they are just as much behind his getting fired as his comments. Isaiah does not get a get out of trouble card from me because he is black, he was wrong in what he did and the outcome just, and nor does Tim Haradway and any other uncouth black person who should keep their thoughts to themselves. However, I don't think that he should still be vilified to make a point to the world as the overwhelming white gays are doing. Mel Gibson has spewed far worse, and they let him off the hook, and most are eager to work with him. So, I see it as a lame double standard, since its far easier to get the black guy fired than a Mel Gibson.

This whole thing is now back man the villain vs. pure innocent white gay guy. I didn't start it, it is what will always happen when race is involved. That goes for both sides: demonizing Washington/defending Washington.

MidwestGuy
June 14 2007, 1:09PM

JimJam, I believe that Keith has been a media guy way before this situation.

I used to be on the fence about this but now I see the point many of my straight friends have been making about this. This is just pure hypocrisy. The same hypocrisy which exists in the black community concerning nigger. Blacks can say it but if someone else does, it is always racist. We were ok with "queer" titled shows and nary a word was raised about it. But have high blood pressure because someone uttered the word faggot on-air. Are we serious?

To clarify, TR was not at the receiving end when the remark was made. If it were said that Richards, while on Seinfeld, had been overheard calling someone nigger and in his defense repeated the word on-air, I would see the comparison. If Imus had said the phrase off-air and lied and said he didn't say the slur on-air. I would see the comparison. That is not what happened.

Mel Smith
June 14 2007, 1:25PM

Keith has it correct. Isaiah Washington has a history of supporting gay and lesbian people. Don Imus has a history of making sexist, homophobic and racists comments. There is no comparison between the two. I'm gay and I also used the word 'f@ggot,' to described people, when I get angry. I don't get into the black and white issue because most heterosexual black brothas don't equate you and I to who they are.

madprofessah
June 14 2007, 1:34PM

Isaiah Washington would not have lost his job if all he had done was had the one scuffle on set and dropped the "f-bomb" back in October, but you have to admit his behavior on live television at the Golden Globes was bizarre: "No, I did not call T.R. a f-gg-t" is what he said. That is wrong on so many levels. It is factually untrue, he was not being asked the question (Shonda Rimes was, and he up and grabbed the microphone from her) and he used the f-bomb right there, in front of LGBT journalists on LIVE CABLE TV.

I do think Jasmyne has a point about the disturbing pattern of Black actors on hit ABC shows, but clearly ABC tried to address that with having Taye Diggs and Merrin Dungey in the Grey's Anatomy spin off and Grey's still has Loretta Devine and James Pickens Jr on the show.

Lost is another situation, but I would not be surprised if some of the new characters that are introduced in 2008 will be Black.

Desperate Housewives is not "all white" Keith, Eva Langoria is clearly Latina.

Seth
June 14 2007, 1:40PM

I'm one of the "white guys" that some seem to like to call us who is sadden but, not surprised that this has now got racial overtones. This could have been a true learning lesson that homophobia and bigotry will not be allowed in the workplace or in the public as a whole. Yet, a few racist gay white men, turned it into a whole other beast by putting in their racial hang ups and diluting the fact that it was not about race, class or anything else, it was about what is and what isn't acceptable. I took his apology and, thought the PSA was a good thing, I guess I was in the minority there.

I hope that someone can come along with a message to lead the whole rainbow of gays and lesbians, and make all feel part of the whole community and not niches where some feel left out of the debate and fight for total and unequivocal equality for all of us. We should all be in this together, but, will we ever be?

Reginald Naji-Allah
June 14 2007, 1:50PM

The fact of the matter is Isiah Washington wasn't fired because he was black or simply because he is/was homophobic....he was fired because he hurt the show and cast and producers of the show incredibly. When he hijacked the Golden Globes with his "faggot" statement, he diverted much wanted and earned attention from the show, the producers and the cast from the world. Grey's won a Golden Globe from the Hollywood foriegn press which represents tens of millions of people who would be crucial to the success of the show. they are potential viewers, which in turn would make them potential customers of the show's commercial sponsors. Instead of the world talking about and congratulating the show for its Golden Globe win, everyone was talking exclusively about Isaih and his "faggot" comment. It was painful to see cast members and the show's creator duck Isaih's mess and try to get the public back on message: Grey's is a Golden Globe winning show, Please watch us!!! For that he must be fired. Period.

Solo
June 14 2007, 2:00PM

Keith you nailed it with this article! Based on the people who respond to your writings one would not think that you had the capacity to judge a person in context. After reading your site and the responses it seemed that making judgments out of context is the norm. Unlike Don Imus Mr. Washington doesn't have a history of making bigoted remarks and should have been judged on the totality of his history. How can anyone justify firing someone from their job and doing serious damage to a career all on the strength of one errant comment, a comment that was made it the heat of a argument no-less. Good article Keith it was one of your best!

cward
June 14 2007, 2:02PM

Mel Gibson has a HUGE company that he owns and it provides him so insulation in Hollywoodland...Spike Lee is another example of someone who owns a piece of the machine...let's not forget some of the things he has spewed on and off film.

This further examination of which race is on TV and which is not for me is quite tiring because no matter what networks do they will never get it right. If you are that disgusted, call your cable company and disconnect...take up the habit of watching your local PBS station and/or read a book in the evening. Trust me it is heavenly or are you addicted to that little box to provide you joy, distraction, confusion, anger and other emotions that many people could do without….so many people curse the very thing that you depend upon like a drug addict who knows it is bad for them but can not resist the high.

When it comes to "Hollywood" far too many people are trying to cover a "whale" with only two hands: you will never get the full picture

James
June 14 2007, 2:26PM

Jasmyne and Keith are gay but they are also BLACK. And why do white gays make the racist assumption that just because Keith and Jasmyne are both gay they would side with the whites. I think that's pretty stupid. Keith and Jasmyne have their own agenda and that's fine they just don't believe in siding with white people and being taken advantage of. And they do NOT just focus on gay issues they focus on MANY ISSUES. They believe in eradicating all forms of discrimination. Keith and Jasmyne are not like that bigoted organization GLAAD which they both blasted today on NPR radio. And Keith is a successful author of three books. Beyond The Down Low was very successful. Jasmyne also has been involved in anti black racism for years. They KNEW Isaiah Washington LONG BEFORE the drama of this Grey's Anatomy BS has been going on.

Derrick from Philly
June 14 2007, 2:50PM

No gay man (white, black, Eskimo, etc.) wants to be called "faggot" on the job. I still believe that a straight person calling a gay/trans male a faggot should carry the same penalty as a white person calling a black person a nigger. But after Isaiah's first apology, I forgave him. Why? Because I aint never had one of these thousands of motha' f__kas who called me a faggot ever apologize to me. I don't give a damn whether his apology was sincere or not, it made clear that anti-gay verbal attacks should no longer be permitted in the work place. What eventually struck me when commenting on this subject on Towleroad, was how naive I was about the extent of racism among white gays. How hypocritical to point the finger at black folks for homophobia when you reek of white racism. I still believe that most white gays try to work on controlling/suppressing racism within themselves--well, I want to believe it.

Quentin Ergane
June 14 2007, 3:48PM

Honestly, I don't know if I am interested in watching Gray's Anatomy anymore.

Also, I cannot believe these GB people who are equating being gay and being "a racialized body." Similarly, I cannot believe those folks who believe the situation "became" racialized. In the same vein, I cannot believe people feel Washington's firing had nothing to do with the gay white machine.

The whole situation has left a bad taste in my mouth. I don't want a Gray's without Burke -- it needs him.

T.R. Knight's performances have just been poor. Why are they writing bigger material for a character that isn't as big as they are writing him to be? Out of guilt, they are making his character bigger and better and he doesn't have the acting chops to do it.

Washington never called TR a faggot directly. He apologized and went to counseling. No one thinks about what message that sends out.

Jose
June 14 2007, 4:23PM

Thanks Derrickphilly, I thought I was the only one who was appalled by that racist trash on Towelroad, and the fact that the board owner allows it to remain up, and so few dennounced it, and the fact that any time a black man or woman says anyting negative is posted there, out come the racists, who make a Klansman blush.

And, I think its a joke to the point that now TR gets a huge raise, and bigger role, he is about as convincing a straight man as the late, great Paul Lynde was, so, don't nobody tell me that the gay groups aren't behind this.

Words can only harm you if you let them, and sorry, his words were wrong, I abhor them as much as I do the n-word, but, they did not ruin my day or life as it appears they have to some of you all here.

And, last, is there some rule of thumb that says all blacks have to agree with "mainstream gay groups, who are not inclusive to begin with? Sorry, I can read and figure out the facts on my own.

Ostend Street
June 14 2007, 4:34PM

Keith: That's how I was introduced to Washington. In fact I wanted to see more of him in other roles because he did come across as a skilled actor. The incident involving him is unfortunate; however, I do not think he needed to be fired.

Sarcasm101
June 14 2007, 4:38PM

I don't watch television, so I do not know how "great" this show was/is. All I know is this: if someone calls me a faggot, if someone calls me a nigger, or any other derogatory term at MY job, they WILL get fired. There are laws on the books that protect employees from working in a hostile environment; Isaiah created a hostile environment. He should have been fired from jump street. More importantly, Mr. Washington does not care about me. T.R. Knight does not care about me. Hollywood does not care about me. So when someone gets fired, when someone does not get a part, when someone deals with "real life" issues in Hollywood, I do not bat an eyelash.

MidwestGuy
June 14 2007, 4:57PM

Sarcasm, if someone called you an asshole on your job, the law does not dictate that the person SHOULD be fired. Creating a hostile environment is not a catch-all phrase which can be used in any case. There are several factors (intent, history, etc) that must be considered before the law is applicable. I know it sounds good in theory..but it doesn't quite work that way.

In theory, if you were Hispanic, you could be fired if you always spoke in your native language on the job where the employer has dictated that speaking English is necessary for conducting business. It's all in how the law is applied and not so cut and dry.

cward
June 14 2007, 5:11PM

Thank you Sarcasm 101, your comments are dead on right!!

Big deal Keith that Isaiah played a gay role, I do not congratulate him for his efforts because he was angling himself to be a part of the new black Hollywood (yes he was); well he got in, rose up the ranks and starred in a predominately white show...has anyone heard and have proof that Isaiah was petitioning for more "color" on Grey's Anatomy; NO I doubt it...he was comfortable and did not care to extend that hand to anyone else of color trying to make it or just for visibility sake....but there are other black characters on the show and I hope they rise up in the ranks of Hollywood....Isaiah made it and now he has lost it.

Now on to the next topic: I wonder how Paris is doing, is she making any black friends that she can introduce to the jet set elite crowd she runs with?

Sarcasm101
June 14 2007, 5:18PM

To me, SHOULD be fired or COULD be fired is irrelevant. If someone created a hostile work environment for me, I would want that person fired. If the offender does NOT get fired, that does not negate the pain the person has caused ME. If T.R. and the cast of Greys Anatomy felt that Mr. Washington made the set uncomfortable (which they obviously did--not even the other minorities came to Isaiah's defense) then he SHOULD be fired. I am happy that ABC/Disney is in a position to get rid of people who create hostile work environments---the rest of the country should follow their lead.

Derrick from Philly
June 14 2007, 5:26PM

Some companies/institutions have policies concerning harassment based on race, ethnicity, sex, and now, thank God, sexual orientation. What we all (I think we do) agree on is that when an offending employee refuses to admit he was wrong and "repent", they will be terminated. Isaiah apologized and repented. Some of these fools I've worked around may not get the message until you tell them they're about to loose their job.

"...now he has lost it."
There are other places for an actor to act besides Network TV. Isaiah paid for what he did, now I wish him greater success in movies, theater, cable TV. His career aint over. Eddie Murphy called us faggots, then got caught with trannies--his career didn't end. That gay-bashing/tranny-lover seems to be doing pretty good.

Greg
June 14 2007, 5:27PM

I doubt of Paris will make any black "friends," after all she called them the racial slur and mocked Compton the same night she did it about gay men,who have her a pass, very boring topic, Paris Hilton behind bars.

There are laws on the books in SOME states about verbal harassment. ABC should have fired him after a warning the first time. I've never seen the show, not into soap operas, but, the thing that burns me is that the gay groups ridiculed and belittled him. I don't need validation from Isaiah Washington, or any other "straight" man, and I sure as heck don't need nor want Glaad or their ilk speaking for me as a black gay man. Are there no black gay groups who could have got involved with this?

And, ABC is nothing short of the coward alliance for allowing outsiders to tell them how to run their business, just like CBS was with Imus, let the public decide what to do, if comments make by actors or pundits cross the line of decency, they will stop watching and listening, and sponsors will flee.

Sarcasm101
June 14 2007, 5:49PM

Greg, I hear what you are saying, but we cannot rely on viewers to make smart decisions. It should be up to the major corporations to make punitive decisions regarding their investments. O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, the late, not-so-great Jerry Fallwell had/have HUGE followings; there is a large market for hate. If Isaiah had stayed on Greys, the viewership would remain the same as if he got fired. Mr. Washington was not an integral part of ABC/Disney---he was expendable. Too bad, so sad. In this age of hot today, gone tomorrow, Isaiah should be glad that he had 3 seasons on a hot show. That's more than what Taye Diggs has gotten . And that's true regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.

Cadence
June 14 2007, 6:24PM

Jose, why do you think all Black people have to agree? You say that not all Blacks have to agree with mainstream gay groups, but then you call into question the Blackness and thought processes of those who disagree with Jasmyne and Keith on this subject.

I, like others, decided for myself that Washington was wrong in this situation. I heard both of his rants and the Golden Globes and I read his interview yesterday where he said that ABC made him take the steps that he did. I know that I wouldn't want to work alongside someone like Isaiah, so I can see why the Grey's crew and ABC had a problem with him.

MidwestGuy
June 14 2007, 6:45PM

Sarcasm..if you are to use what the law mandates (as you did) concerning hostile work environments then SHOULD and COULD do matter. Your personal feelings aside. No, that does negate the pain which may have been caused.

For the record, a cast member did come to Washington's defense. Just as a cast member spoke out against him. So, one person speaking against him does not mean that everyone else was uncomfortable. You are assuming something based on no evidence or at best your personal feelings about someone using the term faggot.

I just read up on the initial fall incident. What's insulting is that no one cares that he choked his co-worker--only that he uttered the earth shattering word--FAGGOT. Sounds like many people are full of shit if you ask me.

Scenario: Imagine if blacks gays were more upset that
Mike Sundy or whatever his name was called a faggot more than the fact that he was killed. How completely foolish, hypocritical, and misguided that would be.

Cadence
June 14 2007, 7:09PM

Midwest Guy, I think the choking incident hasn't been talked about because it hasn't been substantiated. While Shonda Rhimes did say that journalists didn't mis-report anything that happened, no one has come forward and said that Isaiah choked Partrick. Accusing someone of physically attacking another person is very serious, and should only be done when their is evidence to support the claim.

And, I wouldn't say a cast member defended Washington, more like she recognized that he wasn't in attendance at an awards show. I haven't heard any castmember say that Washington was right in what he did, or that he wasn't a problem on the set. In fact, at one point the cast a crew had a meeting a 10 o'clock at night to discuss their feelings about Washington, so I would say there was a definite problem.

rr
June 14 2007, 7:14PM

Keith, I have to agree that your remarks on "Tell me More" did seem counter to your earlier remarks. Though you didn't really answer the question about nigger being used and instead of faggot. We all know that Al Sharpton et al would hound the offender until they were ground to dust. Hateful speech is hateful full stop. Besides,I believe that Mr. Washington created a situation amongst his co-workers that made unity difficult to maintain. Imagine yourself in this situation at your work. Would you show up everyday with a knowing that you're co-worker thinks that you are just a faggot. The black community has got to pull itself into line and stop excusing behaviors that it finds appalling elsewhere. Enough is Enough!

rpcjr
June 14 2007, 7:26PM

why would you give a pass to someone who insults you in one way as opposed to the other? so because he's handsome and played a gay character once, he gets a mulligan? reading a publicists' speech a and appearing in an ad does not mean support. stop giving some of these black dudes a free pass and call them on their shit.

MidwestGuy
June 14 2007, 7:49PM

Cadence, I was not aware that it hadn't been proved. That takes me back to my original point that the fact someone said something on their job about someone else and the world found out, after groveling hand and knee, having a thick 12 inches murderously rammed up his ass, he deserved to be fired? Absolutely NOT!

I work with people daily who have and currently say things about me. Does it bother me? Sometimes. Am I siting around helplessly patting my breast (in my best Little Shop of Horror's, Audrey voice) "the world is so mean to meh doctah, the world is so mean to meh?" HELL TO THE NAW! And this Isaiah thing only happned ONCE!

If I know you are a racist or a homophobe, it makes my day go by much better knowing that you HAVE to deal with me. I won't have the problem because I'd realize that I would not relinquish that power to you. I'll deal with it when you bring it to ME. You hate me and that bothers you. I don't hate you and I'm fine.

If I were you I'd hate me too!

jazzi
June 14 2007, 8:22PM

I knew all along that Isaiah was burnt toast. Even after apologizing & bending over backwards to please & appease people, there was absolutely no way they were keeping him on board. Grant it, he was wrong in saying what he said but he did apologize...profusely. Doesn't that mean anything? Shouldn't that count for something? Are we that damn sensitive?

Then again, I wouldn't be shocked if this wasn't a type of getback for Don Imus. He apologized after having said something stupid & he was still fired too. While many people were plenty pissed at Imus, I can recall people(Kevin Naff, editor of the gay Washigton Blade would be one of them)defending his right to be offensive. I wonder what Kevin has to say about Isaiah? Do I really have to wonder?

Tammy
June 14 2007, 9:01PM

jazzi, you are right, Naff said Imus had freedom of speech, or something to that effect, but guess since it was about hard working young black women who are only good as singers and entertainers for their circuit parties, it was acceptable to white gay men. I guess, freedom of speech can't be extend to others?

And, where is that people get the gall to spread gossip and innuendo about what happened on the set?

Isaiah was wrong, and he knows it, but, this ridiculous hatred of his from these posters is just as bad if not worse than his comments.

One thing is for sure, this has shown just how divided the gay "community" is, and as with anything else, race is a factor, when it should be about his comments, and it should have been handled by his employer, just like Imus', no need for people with agendas and vendettas to get involved.

But, I for one thank Keith and Jasmine for keeping it real and with facts. And, next time you are treated like dirt at a white club, remember, we are all in it togather

MidwestGuy
June 14 2007, 9:48PM

Cadence I forgot to add. No she did not defend him but her remark was enough to let people know that at least she was at the point where she could joke about Isaiah. I don't recall any members of the cast objecting to that.

You haven't heard any cast member say Washington was right nor that it wasn't a problem on the set. Yet, in the next breath you suggest that you know that there was a serious problem because they chose to have a meeting at 10pm? Sure it was something that warranted a discussion. But, that may not be an odd time for them to have a meeting nor does it mean that they felt it was a hostile environment.

I recall Shonda saying that they have both good and bad days but the mood was the same and people were not uptight. Sure, it could've been just for PR but those were actual words from an actual person. Not what we are assuming to be the case. At least she was there.

bubba
June 14 2007, 10:02PM

No, Jose, you are not the only one to notice the racist vitriol Andy Towle allows at his site, allowing the offenders many repeat performances. This story has provided many of his pale pals with the chance to let out their true selves, and I'm sure there's practically an Aryan rally going on over there to celebrate. Remember, sexual orientation is NOT going to stand in the way of asserting their white supremacy.
My only issue with penalizing Isaiah is that, as most reports go, he did not sling his slur at T.R. Knight, but used it to describe him to Patrick Dempsey. That conduct is definitely deserving of disciplinary action. But by the time he was dumb enough to repeat it at the Golden Globes, what else could ABC do but at least suspend him? He brought a public round of bad publicity to a production that already suffered a shift in morale behind closed doors because of his mouth. Anyone could expect to be fired at that point. But making him do a PSA to clear it up and then firing him later is dumb as hell.

Steve
June 14 2007, 11:55PM

Here's the thing. If you are going to judge people upon the language they use, you have to treat Imus, Washington, and Kramer all the same. If words chosen, and how they are used, is important, then they are all in a league. And if you want to fight for the right of one of them to use language as they please, you have to support the right of all of them to do so.

Liquid Fonts
June 15 2007, 1:17AM

Liquid Fonts January 22 2007, 4:02AM

This is old news to me but the real shame is that it took Knight being called a fag by a str8 black man to step up and suddenly decide to live an authentic life at the ripe age of 33. Dear God he should be Thankful!! Being called a faggot pulled him out of life long denial shadows and doubt and made him wanna fight for his identity. Knight is now free to really live!!! And even if he gets fired, Washington will be working with gay group mentioned earlier to hopefully cultivate within himself, a greater appreciation of the struggle against oppression and violence faced by the lgbt community.
I want to see photos of them cuping each others faces in hand soon.

Oh well I guess TR Knight was only concerned with gaining favor of the White Gay & Heterosexual community.

edwin greene
June 15 2007, 9:08AM

So what if Isaiah Washington "apologized". He later said on an awards show that he didn't call TR knight a faggot. I enjoyed IW in the movie "Get on the Bus", but he was wrong to call TR a faggot in the workplace, whether TR heard it or not. He should have been fired when it happened, not months later.

What disturbs me is that two black gay activists went on NPR to defend a straight black man who called a gay man a faggot in the workplace. What is a black gay activist? I thought it was someone who was about the business of defending/explaining the interests of black gay people to the world at large; the title does NOT include defending straight black people who call gay men faggots under ANY circumstances. The diminishing number of black actors on TV is NO justification for IW to keep his job. If there were a lot of black actors on TV, would it then be OK to fire IW?

Sarcasm101
June 15 2007, 9:58AM

MidWest Guy: Just because YOU don't think being called a faggot (in the workplace) is a fireable offense, T.R. Knight (and ABC/Disney, and the laws on the books of Chicago and NYC, and myself) disagree. This is not about "us" (as if there is a gay culture.community in the first place); this is about one person calling someone out their name. Plus, who KNOWS what went down on that set day in and day out? The only info we receive is from PR flackies. Washington could have been calling T.R. a faggot from day one: who knows? I agree with you on this point, though, Midwest Guy--I don't care what people think about me in private (hell, people love to hate on me in the street!). But, when I am at WORK, keep your hate and venom to yourself and treat me with respect. Washington could not do that, and thus, he got fired. He will be okay, though.

Andre
June 15 2007, 12:32PM

I think most people are missing the point. First of all, it was widely discussed that Isaiah Washington had problems beyond his flammatory comments to T R Knight. It was rumored he was difficult to work with and had other issues. I think the T R Knight comment was icing on the cake. Also, we as African Americans sometimes have a double standard. We expect whites to pay the price when they say disparaging remarks to us, but it is ok for us to do it...fair is fair and hopefully Isaiah will learn how to keep his mouth closed while on the job.

Kevin
June 15 2007, 1:30PM

I hope this will blow over soon, as it seems that it is yet a case of a single individual speaking for all of us. I have seen far too many forums that claim, wrongly so, that blacks are all homophobic, and that is not true. He spoke for himself, and was he wrong? Sure, but, I still don't see a need to vilify the man and blackball. He apologized, and yet, that still isn't good enough it appears. This society is so filled with holier than thou types that its disgusting as if they have never had a slip of the tongue or said something out of line or felt soemthing not nice about someone.

He did the PSA, and hopefully, the people who saw it and may have felt the same anti-gay feelings challenged themselves as to why, and it starts with one person to change the world, too bad so many don't see this.

And, to the guys and gals who read that Towleroad site, good luck to you, I have seldom seen any gay site that allows and endorses racism and allows it like that one does, which is a shame, as he covers issues OK

Jay
June 15 2007, 1:47PM

It's all good Isaiah. Move on and do you. One door closes, another opens.

Derrick from Philly
June 15 2007, 2:12PM

"...endorses racism and allows it..."

Now, Kevin, that's carrying it a little too far. There are racist white gays who post on Andy Towle's blog. But the fact that he often covers issues that deal with gay people of color is why I and other blacks continue to visit his blog. I think he administers his blog fairly. Anyway, when those racist bitches get to cacklin' we simply respond to them--on one is silenced. Of course, I feel more comfortable on Boykin's, McCullum's and Cannick's blogs. Although, I kinda' think they're getting kinda' sick of me with my big sarcastic, NARCISISTIC mouth. But my friends tell me, "No, dear, you're not that important."

Humph...like hell I aint.

Sammi
June 15 2007, 2:14PM

I agree Jay, life goes on, although you would never know it from these posts, he is a talented actor and will continue to get work.

MidwestGuy
June 15 2007, 2:33PM

Sarcasm...you really need to know the law. Personal feelings aside, the law does not mandate that calling someone a foul name (alone) is a fireable offense. EEOC laws are the same for ABC/Disney, and every single state in the US. So no, YOU are not in sync with the law.

Could've, would've, should've but the fact is that YOU nor any of us know what happened.

Andre, yes we do have double standards. That's why if Elton John had called TR a fag, we wouldn't be having this dicussion. AT ALL. So yeah, double standards exist.

Kenny
June 15 2007, 2:57PM

Stop waving so many damn flags and get your fists out of the air.

"Gay blah blah blah."
"Black blah blah blah."
"The media blah blah blah."

Isaiah Washington is not a cause celebre.

He was a disruptive employee whose own actions cost him his job. He verbally accosted a co-worker, was put on probation, then lied about it ON LIVE TELEVISION.

He had to go.

The End.

Kevin
June 15 2007, 4:35PM

Derrick, I have read you reading those sour racists on his site, I tend to "lurk" on many of them, and seldom post. However, I do like the blog for stories you don't see elsewhere, but, the minute I see a person of color in a story, I cringe, as I know the only thing is that a flame war will start, and they will start throwing out that n-word as if they are some D list rapper, and, seldom are the posts taken down.

I guess I don't have the tolerance or stomach to deal with posters who call me or any one else a racial slur on a thread, and the exact same poster will be screeching for his "rights" when he see's anti-gay slur.

Maybe, if Andy created a hate free zone and zapped them, I could deal with it better, but, don't see that happening.

Derrick from Philly
June 15 2007, 4:56PM

Kevin: I know why you and other black gay men don't post on Towleroad. Because y'all couldn't resist cussin' them racist bitches out, that's why. Still, there are many descent white guys who post there. But I've been told that there are white blogs that are far more offensive than some of the trolls who troll Andy's site. Funny thing is the worst insult I ever read that was aimed at the white racists on Towleroad was from a white poster named PACIFICOCEANBOY. He basically said that most white Americans were descended from the rejects of Europe. I screamed.

raj
June 15 2007, 5:21PM

I've never watched the show, and am not going to start.

But I suspect that Disney told the producers of the show to get rid of Mr. Washington under pressure from the advertisers. In an advertising-driven medium, it is the advertisers who call the shots. It is likely that Disney was concerned that the volatile Mr. Washington would put his leg further into his mouth and further embarrass them

Louise
June 15 2007, 5:49PM

I'm sorry, but I do not think that uttering a word once or twice should forever mark someone as a homophobe or racist, nor would I call for someone's job just for using a slur. A couple of years ago, while I was working in a coffee shop, the maintenance man for the building came by every morning for a cup of coffee. He was an older white man, and always pleasant to me. However, I learned that he used the word nigger from time to time. So the next time he came to get coffee, I asked him about it. He tried to distinguish his use of the word, saying that he was referring to a certain type of black person, but I said that didn't matter, because how could he look me in my face everyday, as a black woman, and try to justify to me why it was okay for him to use that word. He apologized, said he hadn't thought it about that way, and I believe he meant it.

Now, if I had flipped out, refused to serve him, or called for his job once I found out what he said, what point would that have served?

bubba
June 15 2007, 8:52PM

Well, Derrick, ironically that Pacifictwit infused a comment with some truth for a change. Europe or anywhere else has supplied America with a populace made of people who just couldn't cut it in their homelands for many reasons. As far as less racism at the 'Road, why should the degree in comparison to other blogs matter? A little dab'll do ya.

J
June 15 2007, 9:14PM

I refuse to believe the IW nonsense is about homophobia.

People ignore the fight and skip straight to the slur. Everyone's swallowed the simple and ridiculous explanation. IW is painted as the angry black man and no one questions that.

That wasn't the first time Isaiah's used that word and I KNOW that TR and the rest of the cast aren't PC. That was just an easy way to get rid of IW or get him negative press for whatever reason.

No one should be comparing this to their normal 9 to 5. These drug-addicts are NOT held to those standards. If that were the case Lohan and many others wouldn't be working.

Jeff Smith
June 16 2007, 1:43AM

I have read your article and most of the comments and I am still unclear why Isaiah was fired. I find the amount of hate and anger that is being tossed about alarming. Some of you are so quick to offer an opinion without benefit of the facts. What are the facts? I don't know and apparently no one else does either. What's even more frightening is to hear black folk rationalize the use of hate filled words. Be you black or white or whatever wrong is wrong and right is right. I am black and homosexual. Not a nigger or a faggot.
I don't believe anyone who commented worked on the Grey's Anatomy set nor knows Mr. Washington personally. Maybe if I worked on the set of Grey's Anatomy and actually witness Mr. Washington's behavior I could then determine if his conduct was worthy of dismissal. I guess it would also help if I were his boss and understood what’s considered acceptable behavior for the company. But I am neither an employee of Grey's Anatomy nor his employer. Hell, I have never seen the show.

Jon Gabriel Ortiz
June 16 2007, 7:02AM

WOW, all this drama over unfounded, unproven accusations. I LOVE HYPOCRISY USA!!! The short of this is that NO ONE has proof that Isaiah ever called T.R. a faggot accept T.R. himself! Oh and by the way, what exactly did IW say when this supposedly happened? Anyone? Exactly! Now what we DO HAVE proof of is IW's track record as a supporter of the gay community. But still we choose to persecute him nonetheless. Then we want to compare this to the use of the N-word. Yeah thatz really the same thing. Then we have the denial that GLAAD and like-minded organizations had anything to do with I.W.'s firing. No this couldn't possibly have happened. I mean Blacks and Gays are both minorities and therefore it is suffice to say that we both get along. I mean WHITE gays aren't racist against BLACK gays, becuz we BOTH gay. YEAH RIGHT!!! And of course the fact that ABC is owned by Disney has nothing to do with him getting fired. OK I'm done with all the sarcasm. I'm gonna go puke now!!!

Mark
June 16 2007, 10:52AM

Preach on it Jon Gabriel Ortiz, preach on it. This whole thing is so out of hand its not even funny. His words were WRONG, and he knows it.

The man APLOLGIZED, too bad it wasn't with tears streaming down his face on his knees to viewed as "sincere." Just brand him with a lambda label on his forehead with as a reminder he is anti-gay, even though I wasn't aware that it was against the law in a country where racism, sexism and misogyny is the rule of the land.

And, bubba, I think you are right, "Road is not going to change, the same losers spew that trash every day, and its more than a handful who do it, and its a shame since some of his coverage of gay issues is good, but, that racist element that he allows is unacceptable.

Khan
June 16 2007, 1:18PM

I tend to believe the public's perception of the altercation was fueled by the media. Isaiah was portrayed as this aggressive angry black man who terrorized the cast which led to the brutal attack of Patrick Dempsy and the slur used against TR Knight.

While I have no doubt the altercation happened I'm not sure I understand what exactly transpired between the three individuals involved. The only thing the media reported on was the sensationalistic aspect of the incident.

Isiah's firing was inevitable as I didn't really believe the sincerity of Shonda Rhimes, ABC, or GLAAD. Regardless of his history concerning gay issues the damage was done. I will continue to support Isiah because his intentions weren't malicious. He got into an argument, we all say things not meant during a spat.

Cadence
June 16 2007, 2:30PM

Jon Gabriel Ortiz, actually a lot of people know what happened. The altercation happened in front of the rest of the cast and crew, so it is not a he said/he said situation.

By the way, why would Isaiah thank Catherine Higel for what she said at the Golden Globes if this wasn't as serious as it seemed?

Khan
June 16 2007, 2:39PM

A couple of facts I find odd:

1. Isaiah completed ten more episodes after the altercation. If he was so disruptive on set and caused other castmates to become uncomfortable why wasn't he fired instantly? Hmmmm....

2. ABC had the option to renew Isaiah's contract at 2.7 million dollars at the end of the season. In turn he did everything required to keep his job(rehab, PSA, and continued to apologize repeatedly). However, when it came crunch time he was axed anyways. hmmmm..

My theory is Isaiah was only kept around until his contract expired just to finish the storyline and end the season. It was most likely pre-determined that he would be axed from the show after the altercation. So ABC/Disney and Shonda Rhimes played him big time. I believe he should of left immediately and moved on with his career.

bubba
June 16 2007, 7:02PM

Oh GET REAL. We are past the point of "proof" with this matter. If Washington didn't do anything wrong, why didn't he put up a fight and declare his innocence to the end? I don't like to accost people, but that tangent is one of the dumbest things I've ever read. Of course he did it, and he said he did it. We're discussing whether or not his penalty was appropriate.

Mark
June 16 2007, 8:24PM

Thank you Khan, this whole thing just reeks. If, they were so afraid of this "angry, violent" black man, which almost everyone on this planet seems to think all black men are, why didn't they just get rid of him from the git go?

His comments were vile, out of line and uncalled for, but, I still don't see what has been gained by getting him fired 4 or 5 months after the fact, other than some angry rhetoric from black gays and lesbians at other black gay and lesbians who aren't jumping up and down with the West Hollywood, Castro Chelsea crowd for this huge victory that has taken anti gay words and thoughts out of the public space.

Please, as much as being call a "nappy headed *& " did with Imus getting sacked has stopped within certain circles.

Yep, us angry, black men have to be kept in our place, LOL! And, no one here really knows what life was like on that set, sorry, he may have been "dificult" but, they are all prima donnas with attiudes that can work anyones last good nerve, gay or straight.

Ostend Street
June 16 2007, 10:28PM

If he created a hostile environment, firing should have been immediate. To fire him episodes later reeks of something else. He's talented enough to move on to other creative endeavors. I still don't believe the firing was necessary. If his contract wasn't going to be renewed anyway that's a whole other issue. No one wins in this mess. Right or Wrong another brother bites the dust. Sad but true.

james
June 18 2007, 8:35AM

White gays are no friends of the black gay community. I thought we knew this by now. I mean GLAAD, HRC, AFTERELTON.COM and all those racist white gay bigots have now removed the most important black actor on ABC.
And what do we have left on Grey's Anatomy? Oh yeah we got that mammy and then we got the old black man. Yeah like ABC is really going to give Chandra and James bigger roles. Isaiah was the thing about that show hands down. And now that he's gone its a sad thing. However, I think this is an excellent learning experience for the black gay commmunity once again to understand these white gays ARE THE ENEMY.

Alan
June 18 2007, 10:53AM

I don't know if they are the "enemy" but, they sure as all out aren't "friends" on any level, they are looking out for thier own best interests, and anyone who does not know this really does think there is a Santa.

Jason Elias
June 19 2007, 12:02PM

My main problem is the lost of that character, Preston Burke, that I don't agree with at all. In fact, I think Isaiah should still be on GA. He's one of the only ones who have continued to deliver. Really I think Washington's firing is, well, backfiring. I'd love to see him back on the show. It's not as good without him.

Matthew
June 19 2007, 2:22PM

I have noticed the same things in these shows. I wonder if there is something stirring in Hollywood with the aforementioned roles for black & gay actors.

I did want to mention one more to your list Keith. When was the last time we had a primetime black lead role in a show. The Cosbys...Jeffersons...well, last year ABC opened with Day Break with Taye Diggs.

"Day Break is a television program for which one 13-episode season was produced. The series aired on the ABC network, and premiered on November 15, 2006. Rapidly declining ratings led to the show being cancelled on December 15 after only six episodes had aired.[1] The remaining episodes were subsequently made available online at ABC.com." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_Break

What happened to this one? I guess we say we support our black actors but the results say differently.

Concerned black gay man in Atlanta

James
June 19 2007, 5:40PM

I just don't trust white gay men and only an idiot would. And that's my personal opinion. I think some black gay men are so desperate for white gay validation and approval they will overlook the racism of GLAAD, HRC, Afterelton.com and all those other white gay media.
There is a gay mafia and they are rich and powerful white gay men.And if you didn't know by how you need to get out more.

I support Isaiah because I know how racist these white gay men are. White gay men ARE ENEMY. Well thank goodness for Keith and his friend Jasmyne Cannick. For people that want to sign Jasmune's petition to save

Isaiah Washington here is the info:
http://www.petitiononline.com/savburke/petition.html

Ostend Street
June 20 2007, 12:34PM

James: Thanks for the petition information. Hopefully, this will help those of us who really wanted to take action, but really did not know how.

DarkNLovely
June 20 2007, 8:54PM

This is amazing. I work In Hollywood with the people that were on the set the day this started, and Washington should have been fired. Instead of immediate termination, they allowed his employment contract to run out and not be renewed - a standard practice in the industry.

Be very clear that Isaiah Washington is a violent homophobe. Let me repeat those words in caps "VIOLENT HOMOPHOBE".

His arrogance and sense of self-importance fed into his actions. He created a hostile work environment. He left his employer with a situation of potentially being sued under the EEOC regulations.

And you all want to give him a pass because of the color of his skin? You're as prejudiced as the people - "white gays" or "Hollywood machine" or whoever you choose to blame. This had nothing to do with his skin color, his race, or his ethnicity.

And Keith Boykin - you should know better.

jas
June 20 2007, 10:52PM

James, i was just looking at your comments and it makes me sad to see that you think im 'The Enemy' because i'm white and gay. I never called for IW to get fired, and like some people said above neither did GLAAD or other organizations..

But it's a good point abt diversity.. Why not start a petition for that instead of for someone who actually called us a nasty name twice?

The only show I like now for its diversity the show 24 for having a lot of different ethnicities in the roles and a black man as president.

DDC
June 21 2007, 3:56AM

Dark, if he's such a "violent homophobe", why then did he decide to audition for and play a very positive gay character in a high-profile production? Before you answer let me say that it makes absolutely no sense. I mean I could understand your second-hand claim if he had played a very flaming, derogatory gay character like an Antoine & Blaine. I'm not saying the man doesn't has some issues, he clearly does has anger problems, but there's a difference between a not-too-sharp dude with a bad temper and someone who according to your (again, second-hand)implications is a sadistic monster. Sometimes I think people just blatantly lie and exaggerate on here to suit their position on certain arguments.

DarkNLovely
June 21 2007, 12:19PM

DDC - "Get on The Bus" was how many years ago? And to answer your question about why he took the role from Spike - $$$. Don't be fooled to think that it was for some noble cause.

Since you are much more dimed into the situation than I am (although some of my staff members were working on that set the day that this broke out) you tell all of us, what would happen to you at your job if you were under an employment contract, got into an argument and then grabbed a co-worker by the throat, outed a co-worker to the public TWICE, created a hostile work environment after repeated warnings, forced your black female boss to take sides on the issue, and had the human resources department of ABC have to step in and mitigate?

You would have been let go too.

What you fail to recognize is that in Hollywood, the only color is green and at any employer, there are laws that govern employees' conduct.

DDC
June 21 2007, 3:27PM

Dark, my only issue with your post is the "violent homophobe" charge which you still haven't provided any examples of. Maybe I took it too literally but it's hard not to when you put it in bold letters and insist that you know-someone-who-knows. Yes, there is more than one account of him being a bit aggressive and abrasive. Doesn't make him an evil barbarian, just a Hollywood brat that needs to be humbled. And who cares how many years ago was Get on the bus- his choice to play the role is still relevant as is the movie itself. Plus, I hate to break it to you, but no one performs in an Spike Lee joint, or any other indie flick, for the salary. Especially in a role that could "ruin" the career of an actor with matinee looks.