EXCLUSIVE: Isaiah Washington Breaks His Silence In Revealing Interview

Geoff
June 22 2007, 10:17AM

Good for him, let him set the record "straight" so to speak. I condemn his words, but, have been horrifed by the racist slant attached to it by the gay white community on message baords and in letters to editors, which has turned me off towards anything they have to say about anything. Crying victimhood and then spewing more hatred than the most virulent racist on earth, sorry, they and thier black lap dogs have no credibilty in my book, and that includes those "outraged" black gays who post here.

He was WRONG, he APOLOGIZED, and yet, he continues to be vilifed? Sorry, that is as WRONG as what he said. I have never seen the show, nor anything he is in, but, this is now all racial, no mater what Glaad, or anyone else says, since the homophobic slur he used has been used by way moe powerful people than he is, its not as if he sets standards or polices, or will be able to chnage the hate in peoples hearts.

Why didn't ABC axe him the first time he said it? He was good for business, bottom line.

cward
June 22 2007, 10:22AM

It is a simple matter of damage control for Mr. Washington and he will use this "little" issue to ignite the black community to salvage his career. He did not have the support of his black producer and co-stars throughout this and that is telling. In addition to place blame on T.R. Knight is a cowardly and childish move.

Keith and other black bloggers...you do not know him and furthermore what support has Mr. Washington demonstrated in the LGBT community since he has come on the scene some 10 years ago...people keep referencing it where is the proof? Just because he played "gay" in 1996, does not make him gay friendly. Thomas Jefferson slept with black women but did not free them so I do not see him as "black friendly" nor Isaiah.

His contract expired, they did not want him back for a variety of undisclosed reasons; ABC and others do not have to address them publicly...END OF STORY

Alexander
June 22 2007, 10:25AM

Throughout all this drama I have often wondered why all the fuss about Washington keeping or loosing his job. Employees, especially actors get canned for far less offenses everyday. As a manager at the end of the day it's all about the bottom line.

cward
June 22 2007, 10:55AM

I am amazed that this little private issue that Washington made public is causing such a ruckus. The black gay community has bigger issues such as:

1- Homophobic lyrics: whatever happened to that debate, where are we with that...seems that hip hop has been given a pass and the lyrics will continue.

2-HIV and the stigma: black actors and directors are cashing in on the DL phenomenon; it seems that it is OK as long as you are not white.

3-Hate crimes against black gay males: where are we with this? are we getting any better or safer...are we protecting ourselves against this violence; being proactive, taking self-defense classes etc.

4-The black church and its slant against gays:are the men in the choir standing up and singing, "we are gay and God made us this way".

Just asking???

macfac
June 22 2007, 11:01AM

i hadn't really formed an exact opinion on this issue to date. but after reading this, i can honestly agree with Washington in that T.R. Knight was really using this incident as a way to better his career. Being a "gay" man myself, it angers me to see gays always playing the victim and turning things around in order to shed light on their plight. I remember seeing Knight on the Ellen Degeneres show and I remember thinking, she has no idea that he he really doesn't care. She was asking all kinds of questions and he had this distant look on his face like he didn't know how to answer. One could say that was shyness and he was just still getting used to being out. But then if you watch interviews with Neil Patrick Harris, you never get that from him. I honestly believe that Washington, and eventually Dempsey, was the victim of a reverse hate crime. hate in the jealousy sense of the word.

People, not just gays, or blacks, or Jews, or immigrants, really need to stop being offended by every word that is uttered.

Solo
June 22 2007, 11:12AM

The kneejerk overreaction being displayed by white gays is the same mindset that allows whites in general to sentence African Americans to long prison term over trivial infractions. Like that young brother in Georgia who got sentenced to 10 yrs in jail for getting a blowjob. Although I am in full agreement that Mr. Washington was the victim of a severe white racist overreaction, I think the brother should just leave it alone and move on! What Mr. Washington is now dealing with is what is generally know as the black man's burden! A black man being crucified for doing something no white person would be nailed for! I also noticed that Mr. Washington's black castmates members didn't say word throughout this whole thing. This incident not only says that white guys are no less racist that straight whites but that unlike gays and homosexuality, African Americans are terrified to talk about black issues!

LaRufus
June 22 2007, 11:12AM

Thanks cward for keeping it real, all this about a man who made $2.7 million last year?? Has no power to change anything at all in this country, other than his charitable work in Africa? There are a whole lot of issues that face the black community than mocking another multimillionaires, and these "outraged" black gays need to put an emphasis on what actually does affect us, and it sure isn't IW, TR Knight or some silly television show.

As my granny use to say, that's white folks business, especially the white gay ones who are so oppressed by black men, you know they fear us as much as the next white person, big old, mean, scary, violent black man, and timid mousy in the closet white guy who played the game quite well and is not the saint that so many want him to be, child please, if this is the watershed event of fairness and equality in the US of A, ya'll gonna be waiting a mighty long time, since most folks have long moved on, and really don't care.

Way more pressing issues to confront, way more.

Mike
June 22 2007, 11:17AM

If the tables were turned and TR Knight had used a racial slur everybody would have been up in arms. Yes, Isiah apologized, sought counseling and made a public service announcement condemning hatespeak. However, he is responsible for creating a hostile work environment. Not TR Knight. Not Patrick Dempsey. Not Katherine Heigl. In the real world he would have been fired on the spot.

ABC evaluated their options and decided his worth to the show did not outweigh the stock of the other players-- a benefit of an ensemble piece.

I, personally, will not miss Isiah. I hope this will serve as a lesson for gays to start respecting ourselves by standing up and telling people that they do not have a right to mistreat or speak ill of us. If we want respect in this world, then start demanding it!!

bubba
June 22 2007, 11:22AM

I have always maintained that if the word was not said to Knight's face, then this whole debacle was blown out of proportion. Now Washington says he wasn't even on the set. None of this revelation will get him hired again, but I don't think we're removed from the incident long enough to see the effect on his career. ABC didn't cave in to pressure from advertisers, thus not jeopardizing the "bottom line," it was a watchdog group. They simply negotiated ways to appease GLAAD in the aftermath, especially after the Golden Globes incident. But there's no way they would have fired him after that happened in January. With mere weeks to go before filming for the season was over, there were plots to wrap up. And they couldn't kill the suspense of what befell his character in the season finale, so they pushed for the PSA spots until they could fire him later. As far as Shonda Rhimes, there's no way she would risk her pet project for this guy. Less people of color behind the scenes means less on the screen.

Keith Boykin
June 22 2007, 11:33AM

Normally I do not post comments on the articles since I get to write them in the first place. But I do feel the need to clarify one misimpression that has been out there for quite some time.

For the record, GLAAD has never called for Isaiah Washington to be fired from his job. Just thought it was important to clarify that.

Andre L.
June 22 2007, 11:52AM

The "community" would be shortsighted to not support IW, period.

Luddite
June 22 2007, 12:03PM

Thank you cward and LaRufus for (correctly) reminding us that there are MUCH bigger issues facing our community other than a TV network chosing not to renew an actor's contract.

I'm sure James and MidwestTroll will jump in and start screeching about this HORRIBLE INJUSTICE done to IW.

Geoff
June 22 2007, 12:12PM

Thanks for the Glaad clarification Keith, I wasn't aware of this, they are so anti-black gay male in my opinion only, I just assumed they were the main reason he was canned since they own Hollywood and have so much power there. But, they are going to make sure he never works in that town again, rest assured. So, my bad on Glaad.

Blue
June 22 2007, 12:16PM

He needs to just shut his mouth. He is going to ass around and get blackballed in Hollywood altogether. Cut your losses, and move on. Like I said in another post on this issue, actions have consequences. And somebody's right - all he is trying to do is galvanize black folks, a good portion of whom probably don't even watch the damn show, to his side. I've read some of the comments on Black Voices, etc., and they are all defending him tooth and nail. It's crazy. Talking about how "the gays" are never satisfied, blah blah blah ... when they KNOW good and goddman well if that man called Isaiah a nigger they'd want him burned at the stake. It's a double-standard, and it's annoying. And the amount of black gay folks defending this clown is mind boggling. Most black straight folks ain't checking for us, and people need not forget that. Go read some of those posts if you don't believe me ...

Ostend Street
June 22 2007, 12:23PM

All of this sounds like one grand mess that has gotten out of hand and Mr. Washington is the sacrifical lamb in the broader scheme of things. I sincerely wish this black actor well, I don't believe he should have been fired, and I sincerely hope that the others involved get what they deserve. He is talented enough to get other opportunities and let's hope that this mess can remain behind him. Keith thanks for allowing us to get more insight into what went on.

MidwestGuy
June 22 2007, 12:27PM

CWard, unless YOU know him, I don't think u can speak to why Wash. is speaking out. He's out of a job and I'm sure he knows that he won't be hired by Disney again. If this is such a little issue then u and those who agree w/u should b mute and concerned about all of those other more pressing issues that u say we need to deal w/. If this is such a little issue u wouldn't have America saying this guy was homophobic and needed to be fired in the 1st place. That is, IF this is such a little issue.

Contrary to your belief, u don't get to tell other gays what we should/n't be concerned about. I can't identify 1 week since I have been posting on this site that Keith has not addressed, hip-hop 'phobia, HIV awareness, black church etc. If he is not an example of black gay activism, what is? Do u catch him on CNN w/Paula? That's national.

There are blacks who tire of other blacks playing the race card. Being gay is no different.

Keith, if GLAAD supported Wash, he would still be employed. Silence is golden

Ramsueno
June 22 2007, 12:28PM

cward: There's always something to pull our attentions, from the tragic to the laughable to the just plain perplexing. We can control how we filter it and choose to focus on, but we don't control how the information is filtered down to us all the time. That said, its ok to not care about Mr. Washington's problems over a television or grown men acting like twelve year old girls name-calling. It's your choice and your opinion is just as valid as anyone elses. However, I don't think dismissing Mr. Washington's side of the story and then trying to push our attention where YOU think it should be serves any purpose and seems unfair. I believe that I can make the choice to be concerned about how this incident plays out (issues of race and sexuality in hollywood, responsibility and harassment in the workplace, and to who we see on television and why...) or I can choose not to care or focus on the problem, but I shouldn't be made to feel bad just because I'm interested. A bit of compassion is free.

cward
June 22 2007, 12:29PM

Please explain the benefit of this support for I.W.; I watched the black community support O.J. with disastrous results. I am sure if most black people could re-cast their vote they would have convicted O.J. Using the public for what is not a public issue is self-serving and completely manipulative.

If T.R. Knight has manipulated truly Isaiah into reckless behaviors against Mr. Dempsey and others: what does that say about Mr. Washington?

Has Patrick made a public statement against T.R. Nope, it is just more rumor and speculation.

Would we be hearing these “charges” against others if his contract was renewed? NO Katherine Heigl spoke up right way, no gag order stopped her; why did Isaiah not counter her words with these presented today; he was getting paid and did not care about his “work environment” until his contract was not renewed and he is clamouring and lying now to save his paycheck.

Derrick from Philly
June 22 2007, 12:36PM

Interesting and insightful post, Blue:

You know, I started off criticizing Isaiah harshly. Then, after he apologized, and all them racist bitches kept trying to lynch him, I began to defend him. But if you tell me that now straight black folks are condemning all "faggots" together in their defence of him, I'll have to change positions again. Lord, I feel like John Kerry.

It never changes: when I'm around white gays, I'm black first and gay second--due to white racism. When I'm around black people, I'm gay first, black second--due to black folks hatred of homos, especially feminine ones (like MOI). But they don't phase me anymore, I'm too old...fuck 'em all--vanilla and chocolate. I'm still holdin' out for Butterscotch though: Julio, Pedro, Roberto, Luis, Hector, etc. And I'm talkin' about PRs and Dominicans, not them ones y'all got out West.

Kenyon
June 22 2007, 1:11PM

Hey Keith,

I saw the tape of the interview at the Golden Globes and a reporter did in fact ask if the rumors were true about Isaiah saying something negative about TR Knight on the set. That's what he was respsonding to. I was writing an op-ed on it and watched it a million times on Youtube.

DarkNLovely
June 22 2007, 1:15PM

cward: You nailed it with that observation. IW is pandering to the LGBT community to salvage his public image. Does anyone really think that there's no more to this story than IW's manipulative attempt contacting Keith Boykin? Does anyone really think ABC made a rash decision in not renewing his contract, and didn't look at all the repurcussions that could include a wrongful termination suit? ABC had an airtight reason to not renew. IW got his ass into serious trouble with his mouth, and choking another actor. Period.

Keith Boykin: You just lost another reader of your blog. You're behavior is embarrassing, giving IW any press time, and coming to his defense gives us all a bad name.

Liquid Fonts
June 22 2007, 1:32PM

Liquid Fonts
January 19 2007, 11:39PM
Washington was wrong if he called Knight a "faggot", there should be consequences of some sort.
However, the gay community groups involved in this... are quite a ways away from achieving true equality for all lgbt's even within their own ranks. So, it's a bit surprising and a bit off putting to find that these so called gay activist groups have the authority to try this case in the name of all that is gay. These groups need to spend less time fighting PERSONAL BATTLES FOR MILIONAIRE CELEBRITIES and more time figuring out and finding solutions to why millions of homosexual ppl in this country don't feel supported by the so called "gay community" and why for that matter so many of those are people of color.

Andre L. I agree and I'm not simply being sympathetic to Washington because he's black. Intuition and Reasoning tells me something aint right with Knight.

MidwestGuy
June 22 2007, 1:45PM

DNLove, Good Riddance! I champion anybody who provides a brotha/sista the opportunity to respond to any issue in a public platform. I don't care if it were 50 Cent or Beenie Man. Having the forum to address criticism in the media should be high-fived by us all, regardless if we agree the person or not.

CWard I will afford any black person support where I feel as if they have been wronged. Not doing so makes me no better than the homophobes we continue to complain about on the daily. We want everyone to be so gay-friendly. But, when it comes to supporting issues outside of our gaydom, we're mute.

We want straights on one side of the street, gays on the other. Whites in this neighborhood, blacks in another. Until black gay/straight come together in the spirit of progression, love and respect, no amount of "I love my gayness" will move us any closer to being the kings and queens that are our birthrights. We need to realize that or 10 years from now we'll be singing the same "woe is me" song.

madprofessah
June 22 2007, 2:06PM

It would be interesting if more details of the Grey's Anatomy cast dynamics came out which illuminated the context of what we know through our own eyes, or multiple corroborated reports

1) Patrick Dempsey and Isaiah Washington had a physical altercation on the set. [The so far uncorroborated information is that the reason they were fighting was because T.R. Knight was late to the set]

2) During that altercation [which T.R. Knight did not witness] Isaiah said "I'm not your faggot like T.R."

3) A few weeks later T.R. Knight came out of the closet and appeared on Ellen Degeneres' talk show.

4) At the Golden Globes in response to a reporter's question Isaiah said "No I did not call T.R. a faggot" [apparently trying to finesse the situation that he didn't use the word to T.R.'s face--but he did REFER to T.R. as "faggot" in that conversation, c.f. (2) above.]

Luddite
June 22 2007, 2:08PM

I especially enjoyed IW comparing himself to Malcom X and Paul Robeson for what he has endured. The arrogance and narcissism of this man is amazing.

Coming up next: Whitney compares herself to Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth for enduring her ordeal of marriage to Bobby Brown.

C. Baptiste-Williams
June 22 2007, 2:15PM

Isaiah has apologized repeatedly for his involvement. I think there is nothing wrong with him letting the viewers of Grey's Anatomy and his fans know his side of what happened... now that he can speak freely.

There are so many other issues in the black community and in America as a whole that are not getting enough attetention and are much more important than this... can we move on.

thomas
June 22 2007, 2:30PM

When this story was published in METRO, I was so disappointed. Ever since seeing Washington in Love Jones, a few episodes of Soul Food, and Get on the Bus, I found him to be a very diverse, intelligent actor. I always thought it a shame that he wasnt recognized for his talent and was happy to see him on Anatomy. HOWEVER, after hearing several he said, she saids, about the name calling incident, I was convinced that an apology/ sensitivity training, etc. was not sufficient. As we know from incidents such as the Don Imus one, we live in a society in which people are not going to tolerate ignorance. As a Black Gay man, I was torn because we dont have many handsome, smart, black actors in the game, but Isaiah screwed up and is now sounding like an idiot to blame the coworker. Shut up fool, move on and dont play yourself. If someone calls me out my name they will soon find out they f'd with the wrong Fa**%$. Apparently Isaiah has just learned a similar rule.

jared
June 22 2007, 2:43PM

One thing is for sure, this is one of those topics that awakens everyone, unlike some of Mr. Boykin's well thought out posts on politics, which, hardly get any posts, and that is sad, since politics are what matter in the real world, not IW and Grays Anatomy, which thankfully I've never seen and now most certanly would not. While, I was offended by his words, he made a mistake, and he apologized, too bad, people still want his head on a lambda platter.

I wish that he would have tried to contact the black gay activist like Keith and others, and not Glaad, add me to the list who has not one shred of respect for them, but, it could be due to the fact that I still l have no clue as to what they do! And, yes, I have went to the website ,and still don't get it. Maybe Keith could get an interview with Guilani(sp) the guy who runs the show there, he never missed a interview op when he was mayor of Tempe, Arizona, and maybe he can explain what the groups policy on inclusiveness is and if its for all gays.

messy
June 22 2007, 3:20PM

Do the gays HAVE to be so messy? OH THE DRAMA!!!!!!!

cmoney
June 22 2007, 3:30PM

OK, now we hear his side of the story. I don't believe him. He is full of it. I know one thing is true: He did say at the Golden Globes "I did not call T.R. a Faggot". Well, he just did--on national TV. I am sure that he is sorry that this incident blwe up and he lost his job. I am not certain that he is sorry that he used the F word. Thinking IW is a jerk does not make me a "lap dog" for GLAAD or the White queens on Towleroad. I don't go to either website. It means I can think for myself and I am not being blinded by the race card that IW is playing to cover up his homophobia and chronic foot-in-mouth disease. The fact that some White gays are racist has nothing to do with the fact that IW is an idiot who, despite the fact he is Black, is not worthy of my support.

adamblast
June 22 2007, 3:31PM

Bravo, Luddite, and shame on you Keith.

Troy
June 22 2007, 3:45PM

Mr. Boykin: Did he send you those Free Airline Tickets to Africa with the meals and fabric included too?...Free cigars usually explode..

MidwestGuy
June 22 2007, 3:52PM

It shouldn't surprise anyone that they are gays who scream homophobia at every turn. You have people like Cmoney, who I'm assuming knows nothing about this situation but his/her inclination is to believe what he/she has heard in the media as opposed to the words of the person who was directly involved in this. Yet, at the end of the day, he thinks Washington is homophobic based on? That speaks volume.

We will never have power, never move forward until people like cmoney and many of you others cease and desist or at least become the minority thought for gays.

If what Washington says is true, I will give the brother the benefit of the doubt. The same that I would want people to give me if the shoe was on the other foot.

wood
June 22 2007, 3:57PM

IF all this is true, then Washington did himself a HUGE disfavor. He allowed all this negative press, deep emotion, back-biting & scandal to encircle him, mostly because of the deeds of Knight? How very Shakespearean!

I know, in Hollywood, image is everything, but damn it, what about integrity? Why be a martyr for someone or some organization that obviously doesn't give a good damn about you, or your career?

Also, I don't quite understand WHY he went to counseling over his supposed homophobia. Either he is, or he isn't. I don't down him for saying something stupid in the heat of passion. We all have! And I don't think that one incident alone should have been the cause for his dismissal from the series. But I do find some of his behavior afterward, somewhat dubious.

The brotha is talented. The brotha can act. The brotha is doing wonderful work on social issues in Africa. I don't think a single slip of the tongue should ever discount any of the good he's done.

Derrick from Philly
June 22 2007, 4:06PM

MidwestGuy:

You know full well cmoney is a he. And he would never scream "homophobia" with the white gays for any reason. What he seems to be saying is Isaiah fucked up and doesn't deserve his support. I say, Isaiah acts like any other actor I've ever meant--a little throw'd in the head. And so, I forgive him, especially after all those apologies.

Lord, I sure don't want to see you and cmoney go at it again, not over this "in the past" shit.

Troy
June 22 2007, 4:33PM

Now if only we could get ole Izzy to do something about his unkept hair...that kunte kinte wool look is played out.

MidwestGuy
June 22 2007, 4:42PM

DPhil, how in the world would I know if cmoney is a he?
I don't know much about many of the profiles in here because I often forget about them when I click off unless they've said something memorable.

I've assumed that most posters are black. There seems to be a consensus not just that IW was wrong but also that he should be fired. Black posters on a black site with a majority consensus.

So, my homophobia comments did not at all involve him being in sync with white gays. That was the farthest thing from my mind. It was black gays who scream homophobia at the top of their lungs about any and everything. It's in the same way that blacks scream racism about any and everything.

Al Sharpton screaming racism all the time tends to fall on deaf ears. Black gays screaming homophobia all the time will suffer the same fate. That is more fact that opinion.

cward
June 22 2007, 4:43PM

Here is the article from Essence in 1996; I can not be sure if this is the correct one that Keith speaks of but it is the only one that I found:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1264/is_n2_v27/ai_18280710

I see I.W. writing about more diverse roles for black actors; I do not see this as support for the gay community.

I really would like to have proof of his support of the LGBT community of which Keith speaks of; saddling up to gay bloggers in the wake of this aftermath is not the support that I would call heartfelt and/or meaningful.

McOptimistic
June 22 2007, 4:45PM

You can very clearly hear it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4nZyCxZa1ik

The reporter asks about tension on the set. He jumps in.

Mel Smith
June 22 2007, 4:52PM

Blue, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!! Derrick from Philly, as a black gay person, you are right; it means we get sh!ted on by ALL WHITES and we get sh!ted on by the heterosexual blacks! That's why I dislike both!!! If they are not racist, then they are antigay.

Sarcasm101
June 22 2007, 5:10PM

Another IW post? Hmmmm. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, Isaiah will be fine. I think he should have been fired, but his life is not over. He is a (somewhat) talented actor and I am sure he will continue to get movie/television roles in the future (hell, he is filming a movie right now). America's media memory is VERY short, so by the time autumn comes around, he will be old news. What he NEEDS to do is: SHUT UP! Nobody has been thinking about this man, but he feels the need to remain in the C-list spotlight. Be a man, dust your shoulders off, and keep on truckin'. It ain't that serious.

Shaniqua
June 22 2007, 5:31PM

Washington is full of shit.

deacon
June 22 2007, 5:32PM

Seems to me that if the fight was with Washington & Dempsey why the hell did TR get involved?

Jose
June 22 2007, 5:42PM

Looks like every troll in the world is out to spew their nonsense, some of these made up off the wall screen " black" names must be the same twits from Towleroad who are so outraged and typing their nonsense so fast they are blowing up keyboards, LOL! The guy apologized, and I for one want to hear his side since last check, even under the Patriot Act, we can still more or less tell our side of a story.

And, its so sad that some are still so offended and spitting fire over this man, I guess life must be perfect in their world, and they have never had a case of foot in mouth. And, give me a black homophobe any day over a racist white gay man at least you stand a chance of trying to EDUCATE them on what its like being black and gay and not be dismissed with a snapping finger. But, then again, I don't time to care what a white racist or black homophobe, living my life my way!

And, for those who hate this site, why do you post here? There are plenty of hate Isaiah sites to spew!

Kim
June 22 2007, 5:45PM

Isaiah sounds like he is ranting and raving in a way that makes me think he is unstable as I read his words. He would have been better off letting sleeping dogs lie, but just like the incident on 10/9, he had to bring it back to life at the the awards. He seems to just dig himself in deeper everytime he opens his mouth.

Wendell
June 22 2007, 5:51PM

God, do you really believe this guy? He called TRK derogarotory name (he was present at the time according to everyone but IW), then LIED about it on Golden Globes, massively embarassing his co-workers and creating scandal around whole show. Then, when he was caught lying, he gave his lame apologies that he is now, basically, taking back.
The man is full of shit, has a history of creating trouble on set (there was a restraining order against him, for god's sake), and is lying out of his ass in more and more delusional manner. I won't believe a word coming out of his mouth anymore. And he has guts to compare himself elsewhere to Malcolm X? What's next, Martin Luther King?

Walker
June 22 2007, 6:29PM

I think many of us are missing the fundamental issue. It's not just about a hurtful word. The underlying issue is if there are separate rules and sanctions for people of color and non people of color.

IW has always been one of few black male entertainers to explicitly denigrate homophobia long before his career got him to ABC. Everyone makes mistakes, he atoned, yet he seemingly was villified and no one seemed to care. Not even black Hollywood.

My point is that there ARE different rules and SANCTIONS for people of color in Hollywood and elsewhere. Imagine if Monica behaved like Lindsay Lohan in public, what would the papers write? On the VIEW, Rosie entertained and offended Asian Americans, Kelly Ripa, Donald Trump, etc. yet it was Star Jones who was shown the door the day after her on-air statement, Barbara said "we couldn't trust what she would say next."

Just a thought

adamblast
June 22 2007, 6:49PM

Can't recall every feeling quite so offended and worried that black gays can never be my friends due to their own bias. Way to build that wall. Go to hell.

Midwestguy
June 22 2007, 6:55PM

Everyone like who? Since this story broke all the info has been piecemeal from various sites without any sort of clarification to tie them altogether. TR felt as if he was wronged but did anybody tell him to shut up? Did anyone tell Kelly Bundy's ass to shut up? IW was fired, he is unstable and should just let it go? Really?

This is my issue. In the end, this fight will not work in our favor. If we can't get the hetero community to fight for the Roberto Duncansons, Sean Williamsons's And Michael Sandy's, how in the hell do we think silly, bitchy bullshit like this will? Like it or not, we need their support.

Wrong is wrong. He apologized. Had no previous animosity towards us but that's not enough. We want his blood.

Isaiah will work again and these white groups you guys so concerned about will be able to say "It's their fault they didn't support their own, we would've." Did politicians and the like not support Imus? He and Rosie will be rewarded. This was a great missed opportunity for us.

jaded and cynical
June 22 2007, 7:41PM

Basically, blame the victim. That's what IW is saying. Fire the victim because he spoke up. Never mind what he said. And the mentality of giving all black men a free pass for what they do because they're oppressed. Basically, what Cannick and all you are saying is, if a black man calls me a Kike cunt then gets fired, it's my fault if I speak up. Well I have news for all of you. I believe that black men have been oppressed by society. But that doesn't give them a free pass to do whatever the hell they want. Sorry, if I'm raped by a black guy, I'll react the same way as if they're white, Latino, Asian or Venusian. I'll call the police and hope they get their ass thrown in jail.

Oh that's right, with your logic, by calling the police and getting a black guy arrested, I'm oppressing him.

Please.

Fred
June 22 2007, 7:41PM

I DON'T care if Isiah Washington had played one of the drag queens in the hit movie To Wong Foo, it's still inexcusable for what he said in his place of employment. Anyone else in the real world would get fired in a heartbeat. I don't see what makes Isiah Washington untouchable or so darn special.

-Fred

cmoney
June 22 2007, 8:30PM

So, Midwestguy, what makes you such an authority on what was or was not said by IW? Were you there in the studio? If not, then all you know is what was in the media too. Your word is about as good as IW and that ain't saying much. You need to stop mixing the race issue with the homophobia issue. If IW was White and said the same thing, I don't think you would be defending him. I am Black and male but I can distinguish a Black idiot from a White idiot. One would be Black and one would be White. But both would still be idiots. Am I supposed to give the Black idiot a free pass just because he is Black and I'm Black? I don't think so. I have no time for idiots of any color.

Paul M. Smith
June 22 2007, 8:53PM

This story has run its course and it is now time for it to be over. IW acted BADLY- probably out of anger, he blurted out a homophobic slur that sadly reverberated across the country. He and we need to now let it go and he needs to accept the consequences just as Imus has had to do for his bad judgement. The day is over where celebrities can get away with this kind of behavior--Over! Done! So, let's put it to rest. Despite all else, IW is a brilliant actor and will find other work in Hollywood. But he has, I hope, learned a bitter lesson about self control and the price of unleashed anger in the workplace. As a black gay man, I really don't care what IW thinks of gays but I will not sit still for his or anyone elses display of hatefilled rhetoric in public earshot. If he wants to be respected and taken seriously as a celebrity, he must earn it outright. I hope that he has the fortitude to end this debate and move on to what comes next for him. I wish him God's speed.

Paul

Mark
June 22 2007, 9:02PM

Midwestguy, while, I usually can say I don't agree with you on just about anything you post, I think you are spot on with this issue. I for one am so tired of what if TR called him a slur, well, just how do you know he didn't? I for one won't lose any sleep over him getting fired, but, this rage is creepy, along with this joining up with these white gay men, who are in a league all their own when it comes to intolerant comments, and who most certainly aren't friends of a black gay, had it been a black gay actor called the slur, rest assured there would be little to no outrage, not from gay white men, and not from most black gay men for that matter, even those with such vaunted principles.

He was fired and I would think they would all be happy, just what else can make some of these obsessed with IW posters let go of the rage?

And, Jose, all these "black" men posting, too funny.

And, add me to the list of those who wants to hear his side, since the victims has been told so much, its now martydom.

Cocoa Rican
June 22 2007, 9:06PM

What about those Yankees? LOL

kEN
June 22 2007, 9:26PM

IF ABC IS READING THIS, THANK YOU. YOU HAVE FIRED THE RIGHT GUY. I'LL START WATCHING GA AGAIN.

MidwestGuy
June 22 2007, 9:37PM

I'm not an authority. Until now we never got even a semi-complete version of what happened. What we knew was that IW choked Dempsey because TR was late and said "I'm not your little faggot like TR." No other background was given. So, now that at least "someone" has put things in context. It wouldn't have mattered if it were ABC itself. Just some sort of tying the story together. Therefore, I choose to believe what he said in this article. True or not, that's my decision that many wouldn't agree with. But guess what, going with the majority and crying foul doesn't always garner respect nor proves right.

I think Duke Lacrosse come's to mind.

I won't die if called a faggot. I come from a proud tradition of strong black men. Trust me, being called bad names ain't shit.

Situations like this and the push for gay marraige has and will set us back not forward. We're too smart to not know how to play this game.

The Rev. Kev
June 22 2007, 10:07PM

OK, so I wasn't going to say anything in this UNTIL I got to the part of the story, Keith, where you say that T.R. says that he NEVER said that ISAIAH CALLED HIM THE "F" WORD. THAT is a lie! I have the ELLEN show on tape where he says, looking like a sad little puppy, that "he called me a faggot." When he took the stage at the GLAAD Awards, the audience stood. WHY? Because he came out? When Neil Patrick Harris entered later, he got nice applause and then said "So, you only stand for T.R., huh?"

I am so angry at ISAIAH because he bought into the very conspiracy he knew was happening! HE IS BETTER THAN THIS, but he let it bring him down. But T.R. KNIGHT is a PUNK in the oldest way, in that he has proven a scared person who lets others walk over him, and I always thought he was pimping and pouting WAY TOO MUCH!

THE PLOT THICKENS, but at the end of the day, Isaiah Washington, I love you, but you slipped brotha and it costed you!

Steve
June 22 2007, 11:28PM

It's all BS. The gay community will do anything to further their agenda including sacrificing Washington's career on the alter of "Tolerance" and the Black community will this whole incident to further their claims of discrimination. However, I haven't seen the black community all up in arms crying foul as loud as possible, only the gay community. I'm tired of letting minorities dictate every aspect of everyday life. If someone calls me a name(boo-hoo) at work and I am offended is my boss going to fire the other person? NO. This is the real world and we have freedom of speech. So Washington got the shaft and to T.R. Knight..Shut the hell up along with the rest of the Velvet Mafia and "Take it like a man". You sound like a whiny litte kid who didn't get his way.

TR
June 22 2007, 11:55PM

Hummm, definitely lots to think about here. And certainly a good topic of discussion as there are so many angles with which to veiw this entire story. However,and regardless, all that being said - it would definitely seem a case of too little too late for IW. Sad, as he seems a brilliant actor. I will say though - I did catch that Ellen interview with TR and deep down in my soul thought there was something very manipulative and insidious about him during that interview. Hummm, gets me thinking. Perhaps, too little, too late.

Deacon
June 22 2007, 11:56PM

Brotha's need to stop hating on Isaiah, like none of you have never called another gay man a faggot, I guess it's ok if it's gay on gay. Just like the "N" word, some think just because your gay you have the right to say faggot and straight guys don't, if he wasn't right for saying it then no one is right for saying it no matter what the intent of how it's being used. It's sad that black gay men are sticking up for punk ass TR whose done nothing for the black gay community and not our brother Isaiah. I've heard and read enough from both sides, Isaiah owned up to what he said, did his penance and I can forgive and forget and move on. Again I ask what has TR "Punk Ass" Knight done for the black gay community or gay community in general, he needs to man upand to clerify that's means to own up to his part and be honest about what really happened.....

Cadence
June 23 2007, 12:13AM

Isaiah really needs to shut-up and move on with his life. Everyone, except him, has handled this situation professionaly. He only needs to look in the mirror to see who's to blame for his troubles. Hopefully he will keep digging the hole that he's in, so that he will eventually ruin his career, and won't be heard from again.

bubba
June 23 2007, 12:34AM

I don't have a misimpression about GLAAD wanting Washington fired, Keith. Though I'll gladly take credit for getting you to engage readers in additional commentary, as opposed to the usual tactic of expecting us to boost hits while voraciously lapping up the events you consider to be newsworthy. How about the same give and take you give Paula Zahn, on your own site? Washington's use of the slur during a press interview must have sealed the deal for ABC. I implied that that incident led the company to bide their time before lowering the boom, once the season's last episode aired. But I wouldn't expect GLAAD to come out and say they wanted him fired either! Do they ever say what they mean? The criminal underreporting of tragedies such as Michael Sandy's and those of others just goes to show how passive aggressive they are with their exclusion.
Now who is this Adamblast? You know good and well you already made up your mind not to have black gays as friends. But our response to this issue scared you off? RIGHT.

TR
June 23 2007, 12:51AM

On January 22, Tammy Lynn Michaels wife of musician and rock star Melissa Etheridge composed this little poem on her blog with regard to their friend Isaiah Washington and the "faggot" incident. "He is not that man", she says. It certainly gives one pause to think - especially with regard to Keith's recent conversation:

he
he is the father
of my child's friend
he's been to my house
enough times to fill a hand
or two
his wife
a most shockingly beautiful woman is she
kind as kind can be
he
never called
me or honey
a dyke
or
a faggot....
he
came with his cowboy hat
some boots
and a smile that could power Time's Square
on new years eve
i barely recognized him last week
faggot he said
faggot

the man i have known
is not that man.

http://hollywoodfarmgirl.blogspot.com/search?q=the+glitter+splash

Eli
June 23 2007, 2:56AM

Well you all know media well, I had no clue this all was happening until now. But so what! That still does not make anyone a higher authority to judge anyone. We all say and do some stupid things and if you never have than you are lying to yourself and this blog. So get rid of the statistical finding about blacks, whites, GLAAD, LGBT, or anything that has anything to do with this fair weather and lukewarm readers. It's not you and it's not me either, if anything I would not be surprised that he rebel against LGBT Community after this situation. He does have that right as an American. GET OVER IT!

Brandon
June 23 2007, 3:07AM

Who the F*#*$ cares about this guy or anyone else on that god forsaken show!?

I swear, if I have to read one more blog posting every little detail and statement made by anyone with regards to "the incident" I will seriously scratch my eyes out. After Elton, Keith Boykin, GoodAsYou, Towleroad, 365gay.com and The Gist have all posted about this seemingly at least 50 times a day.

This issue does not embody the struggle of the gay man, the black man, or the tension between. It's about a bunch of over-paid, over-exposed actors and the attention and money they seek. These issues deserve more respect and seriousness than this bull shit allows. It is petty and I am damn sick of all the attention and outrage it is receiving on both sides of the argument.

Like cword stated earlier, there are more important things in the world. I call for a moratorium of all Grey's Anatomy related news on all LGBTQ related blogs.

Lisa
June 23 2007, 3:10AM

There might be some truth to what he said, but since he's the only one doing the mudslinging - he's lost my sympathy. He had the chance to give an interview,
tell his side and walk away with dignity and pride. Instead he's chosen to attack TR and try to make him the villain - it smacks of PR spin doctoring to me.

What he is doing is damaging the show, damaging the reputation of his former producer and two fellow actors.

If he really believed what he was saying, he would have come out with it before he lost his job, not after. He's putting down others for covering their as**s but what did he do? He CYA'd until the paycheques stopped and now he's selling the 'truth'. Which version am I supposed to believe? The rehabs and I'm sorry's or this?

He’s busy flinging mud at everyone hoping it will stick anywhere but on him and while it’s polarizing people for and against him, it’s showing his measure as a man. Watching the mud fly, it’s not an impressive measure.

steve
June 23 2007, 3:16AM

Please! Mr. Washington has defended himself! Now let the network and producers that hired him be held accountable also. For not giving him the plattform to speak for himself. But again thats typical "white" oops societies way of doing things.. You know i'm not going to apologize. its true. Let all of those TV and radio stations that have repeatedly X out the black community from have a piece of the fun, let them also be brought to the carpet for being bias, selfish. They may not be calling the black man out of his race or character, but still their action do show it...

YOU ARE YET WRONG.....

Sign a disgruntle White Man...

Theo
June 23 2007, 3:55AM

To every person who has posted with "but you weren't on set, how do you know what happened?" If Isaiah did nothing wrong, then why did he apologize and go to rehab?

Its disingenuous to cite racial bias on the most diverse cast on television. He was universally disliked by his coworkers. His contract was up. Shonda and ABC chose not to renew it. He was not fired.

Isaiah has a storied past with almost every crew he's worked with. The restraining order that Bryan Birge filed in 1997 after he and Isaiah fought? Kevin Arkadie's comments that Isaiah is "mercurial."

It's unfortunate that people can't see beyond race and identify Isaiah's own behavior as the root of this entire issue.

Pip
June 23 2007, 4:14AM

i will be the first to admit that i was too quick to judge mr. washington without hearing his side of the story. i feel very differently about these events now.

Solo
June 23 2007, 4:40AM

Wow I am amazed that 40 something Mr. Washington didn't have the common sense not to make a homophobic remark on the set of one of the biggest TV shows coming out of Hollywood. I am not in show business and I know that making an anti-gay remark in that business is like making a anti-semitic remark in the middle of Israel. How could a man who has been in the business for so long make such a gross breach of the Hollywood PC rules? Brotha, love you but the best thing you can do for your career at this time is to shut the f**k up and move on!

Jeffrey Marks
June 23 2007, 7:27AM

Ok, so let me see if I get this straight? TR is some sort of Iago-like character who set all this up to get Washington fired.

So TR:
1) set up a physical altercation between Washington and Dempsey.

2) forced Washington to use a gay slur during the altercation. Doesn't matter if he called TR a f****t to his face or just in front of 20 people he knew. He used a word to refer to another person in front of witnesses.

3) had the media pick up the story so that speculation was fueled about who on set was gay, based on the Washington comment.

4) had Washington use the word again at the Golden Globe unprompted (read The Awful Truth at eonline to see what the interviewer had to say about this situation. It doesn't match Washington's version.)

Sorry, but I just don't see anyone having that kind of power over others. Washington made his choices and now he's having trouble living with them.

Lew
June 23 2007, 7:54AM

It was Ted C from E! network that was asking the questions @ the Golden Globes. He wrote about it in his column - he was trying to push Shondra to say something and asked more than once I believe about "the incident."
After 2-3 questions, IW jumped in.
Not saying it's all right or wrong, just adding info.

cARTHOS
June 23 2007, 8:32AM

tr kNIGHT IS A FAGGOT. wHATS THE PROBLEM??

zee
June 23 2007, 8:45AM

It should also be stated that:

1.) Washington only did the PSA and entered counseling because of pressure from the studio. This fact is punctuated by Washinton saying "I did everything they asked me to." It wasn't because he was apologetic. With that statement alone he negated his efforts to remedy his issues and made it clear he was a man of extremely bad character. He wanted to save his job.

2.) Katherin Heigl was far more vocal about the incident (and more blunt) than T.R Knight had been. He NEVER stated that Washington called him the F-word to his face during the interview with Ellen, only that he had heard about it later on. Washington is grabbing at straws in an attempt to gain some credibility in his argument, but his lies are incredibly transparent. T.R had been outed by the media but never made an official statement, and the media jumped on the story of Washingtons slur alleging it had been made with regard to T.R. who was late for a set call, and it was Dempsey who jumped to T.R's defense.

bob
June 23 2007, 8:47AM

I tend to believe part of what Mr Washington says.
Gays are so powerful these days that it is easy for them to use gay bashing in any form to eliminate a co-workers from employment. There are three sides to every story yours,mine and the truth and I always found it difficult to believe that Mr Washington was totally responsible for everything that went down on Grey's. Mr Washington was silly to use
the Faggot remark. Everyone knows you don't do this today.
So it may have given Knight the ammunition to kill him from the series.

Cadence
June 23 2007, 10:03AM

It's funny that people continue to base their positions on fake facts. Let's get a couple of things straight.

1. The original incident happened in October, neither GLAAD (or any other gay rights organization)commented on the story until three months later, when Isaiah Washigton used the slur again and lied at the Golden Globes. So how can people say that there was a campaign against Washington from the start?

2. As Keith said, GLAAD nor GLSEN ever called for Washington to be fired. In fact, they said that the backlash from his firing would be much worse, and that having Washigton on the show and contrite would go further in helping people understand that using the slur is wrong.

3. From the start it was known that Washington didn't use the slur to Knight's face, but how does this make what he said alright. And who slams a third party when that person isn't even part of the fight? This shows what Knight and others had to put up with on the Grey's set.

Lea
June 23 2007, 10:07AM

Wow, there are many an opinion here about this situation. I am a big fan of Grey's Anatomy, which is why I got sucked into this bizarre little story. I do believe the IW is sorry about using the unfortunate expression "I'm not your faggot like T.R.", although he did seem rather arrogant when he denied it at the Golden Globes. He definitely shouldn't have used that expression. It's hurtful and unnecessary. But I don't think that IW used it to out TRK, but rather used it to supposedly put PD in his place, for whatever reason. I hate to imagine how people would feel if the situation were that TRK and PD were having it out and TR said "I'm not your n***** like Isaiah" or "I'm not your w**** (rhymes with door) like Ellen". All hateful and unnecessary terms that have no place in a work (or any other) environment. But I don't think it should be viewed as a racist or homophobic issue. I don't think that IW is a homophobe, but rather someone who should deal with his anger issues.

jas
June 23 2007, 10:40AM

maybe keith and IW should just hook up already! :)

but seriously, just saw the youtube video. pretty stupid of him to say it at the press conference like that!! everyone looked crazy embarrassed. i'd have been upset if too someone outed me publicly like that - REGARDLESS of their 'race'

Black goddess
June 23 2007, 10:51AM

I'm a black straight female. Love your blog Keith. I read it at least once a week.

I believe that Gladd and all of these gay 'white only' organizations have been working SECRETELY behind the scenes to get Isaiah fired. Gay white people are just as racist as straight white people. At first I wanted Isiah fired BUT after reading his side of the story, I've changed my mind.

TR Knight is a racist, whiny, manipulating fake. He has been running his mouth about this NON incident since it happened. Isiah couldn't defend himself because of the corporate gag order. So, TR's been spinning this to his advantage ever since.

TR KNIGHT if your reading this - COMPLETELY phuck off. You are a liar! I can't stand you and I will not watch Grey's anatomy because of you! I will not support your crusade.

Grey'sFanatic
June 23 2007, 11:11AM

I'm puzzled as why this became racial, neither Isiah nor TR make this as a racial issue ONLY the fans and non fans who can't look people pass the skin color. Go watch the tube posted by Mc Optimistic
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4nZyCxZa1ik
the uncomfortable expression from the casts said it all.
Watch Eric Dane, Betty Beers and Patrick Dempsey after IW denied the incident and didnt Shonda responded 'I don't think any of the reporter made it up' For the record, Isiah wasn't fired, his contract was not renewed and Shonda break her silence after the news of his departure with something like and I'm paraphase her word ' something had happen in the family and it should remain in the family'. So something did happened and it was Isiah who was not asked to come back speak volume as who's been lying. Isiah Washington keep changing his statements ever since the incidents make me not trusting his story.

'dre
June 23 2007, 11:29AM

Steve and adamblast, et. al, there are plenty of black gays and lesbians who share your hatred of Washington since his slur was directed at them and bought up so many bad memories of how they are treated in their own towns, and have such low self esteems that they can't deal with it, had it been anyone else on that set, they would not be as outraged and foaming at the bit about it. They are as anti-black black and gay as almost every loud, shrill over the top screeching about this man, and would love to be "yo friends" and fit into your clubs and organizations! The ones with low self esteems are flocking here with the same trash that you anti-IW posters are who have fallen into the trap that what the white gays say is always right, and we have to follow their lead to be accepted. Please.

PamelaJaye
June 23 2007, 11:45AM

While I find it difficult to believe that Patrick and TR are the people they are described to be in this article - I do remember the question being asked at the Globes. For a while the video was available at the HFPC web site, which is where I saw it. Although you could not see the questioner, I somehow found out (perhaps the questioner confessed or bragged) that it was Ted Casablaca of E! (go, find him, I'm sure you can if you wish to) and the question was something vague concerning things like "incident"s "tension on the set" was it continuing, etc.

I thought Shonda was doing just fine in working her way diplomatically around the question and then Isaiah just dived in and basically answered the question which was really being asked. Despite the fact that that was, in my opinion, the question really being asked, I feel he could have taken a moment, used more judgment, salvaged his career or at least not pissed Katie Heigl off as he did.

Did want to fill in that gap of who asked what where and when.

Matthew Rettenmund
June 23 2007, 11:55AM

Sorry, but Washington's got a history as a kook, whether or not he also has a history of superficially supporting LGBT causes. "Faggot" doesn't come out of nowhere, apology or not. But forgetting for a moment whether using a slur in the workplace about a co-worker (he's a liar to say it wasn't "to" Knight, or "about" Knight...everyone knows the direct quote was about Knight), if you can read these quotes supplied by Washington to Boykin and not think he is utterly paranoid, then you're supporting Washington for an irrational reason, either because you like him as an actor or you know him personally or you will defend anyone black. It's ridiculous to give Washington any support. He behaved abominably! And Keith, the footage of the Q&A is clear and widely available. A question was asked that alluded to the cast unrest, the producer was doing the Hollywood tap dance (as anyone would) to make it seem OK, then Washington LEAPT across in front of her to use the word again. Self-sabotaging. PATHETIC.

James
June 23 2007, 12:08PM

Thank God!!! Go Isaiah! You go boy! I have been saying ALL ALONG the argument on the set was between Isaiah and TR Knight. I also believe TR Knight came out was due to a tactical move. I also believe of course GLAAD went after Isaiah Washington because GLAAD is a racist white gay organization. So of course GLAAD was going to support that white boy TR Knight. Well Isaiah you go brother and Shonda Rhimes is NOT your friend Isaiah. I am sorry to say if Shonda was a real friend she would NOT of kept him in the dark for so long about his faith. The white people stood behind TR Knight. I hope the people in the black community WITH SOME SENSE can see this was clearly RACIALLY MOTIVATED. We are working together to support Isaiah.

Edward
June 23 2007, 12:09PM

Isaiah did TWO PSA's not just one!!
Did you see this? (YouTube)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8pjLfeggsQ

Jaide
June 23 2007, 1:14PM

I find it pretty pathetic and immature to let a single word cause so many problems on the set of one of the biggest shows on TV. They should all stop their whining about this person and that person, and be grateful that they have jobs, great jobs at that. If T.R. was truly hurt by the 'F' word, that shows that he is very insecure and not proud of who he is. I am a gay female, and I have been called so many words that should be hurtful. But they aren't, because they are just WORDS, and I am proud of who I am. Suck it up T.R., whether you played up the victim, or were truly hurt, you are an actor and are making millions, you should be happy with life, because there are loads of people out there who deal with things much harder than this.

SFLADY
June 23 2007, 1:31PM

Do you people not see? Isaiah is the typical abuser by putting blame on the victim. He has no comprehension that HE started this by saying the defamatory/derogatory name [towards/of] a co-worker. Under any other circumstances, he would have been fired when he said it. The corporate big-wigs tried with Isaiah, but from this interview alone, he has no remorse and still carries a torch against the gay community. From the looks of these comments y'all are playing right into his hands. Fire TR? It was Isaiah who created this situation.

Andy
June 23 2007, 2:24PM

Umm, SFLADY, some of "us people" see it the way it is, Washington was wrong, and so was the mob of angry gay white men, and their black sheep, who wanted his head. Sorry, but, those are the facts. He has apologized, begged and did everything he could, and possibly cut a check to them, and they still aren't happy. Just what is it that the man can do to appease "you people?" The only torch being carried is the gay community and its hypocrisy and bigotry and blatant racism by their "leaders."

MidwestGuy
June 23 2007, 2:29PM

Personal feelings about the word faggot aside, you really should have such strong feelings about sutff like this IF you have undisputable evidence. Before you become so hateful, ask ABC what happened in full? Not TMZ, Sandrarose, Mediatakeout. There was one incident on the set and the only person there who has given this amount of info is Isaiah. You can choose to not believe him but at least he had the decency to speak to the community he offended so personally.
It doesn't make what he said right nor that should he have been let off easy. But, I refuse to believe that a straight, homophobic black man would even consider "speaking" to the black gay community other than election season. For what? He has nothing to gain by talking to us. We have no power. If we did, the world would've stood still for mike Sunday as they did for Ryan. We're black, male, and gay. 3x'.s For any of you who have ever questioned Sharpton's sincerity. He's usually as passionate, offended, unrelenting and unforgiving as you are now.

Jon Gabriel Ortiz
June 23 2007, 2:32PM

I will say this. I was watching the awards show and I do remember the incident and that it did seem like Isaiah was looking over his left shoulder and reached over to the mic and responded to someone in the crowd. Isaiah's comments almost verbatim were " No, I did not call T.R. a faggot...That never happened" Later on I do remember seeing the clips several times over and saw how they cut out all the way to him grabing the mic and speaking. What bothers me most is that regardless the same statement has been repeated over and over again. Saying that something never happened and calling someone a faggot are two totally different things. But we need to move beyond the contraversy and admit that racism and entitlement is still alive and well.

Adam
June 23 2007, 2:50PM

Both parties are at fault. First of all, this has been blown way out of proportions. I really don't like how our society has become so sensitive and whiny. Somebody calls somebody a name and everybody has to get all pissed off and sue each other. It's totally ridiculous. To cry about name-calling is understandable if you're like 12. I'm an adult. There are more important things in life to worry about than some guy calling me derogatory names. Last time I checked freedom of speech is still in effect. If someone wants to insult me, go right ahead. I could care less. People out there are dying everyday of hunger and disease, and here we ware wasting all our time worrying about 2 actors verbally jawing with each other. Yep, that's the society we live in now. It's sickening.

Johnny
June 23 2007, 2:58PM

Hey people, I used to say faggot all the time and so did everybody growing up, just as it could be substituted for loser. "Hey loser","Hey faggot" didnt make a difference and Washington probably grew with that. He called Patrick the faggot and they went back to work. And a few days after, T.R. knight comes out and goes on Ellen Degeneres acting like he called him the faggot. It makes sense now why washington made that statement"I didnt call T.R. a faggot" and "george" put on a facial expression, like it was a lie but didnt say it. I didnt beleive Isiah before but now i do. I think people have to realize T.R. is an asshole, a gay asshole.

Jose
June 23 2007, 3:21PM

I think it is way out of control, and this whole thing about whom can and can't say what is ridiculous. What I still don't get is why he is still being vilified, and just for doing what he has a right to, freedom of speech. Let him tell his side, even though, I doubt if it will do any good, he has he label of unrepentant homophobe, and will never be forgiven by some, some because he is black and said it, and others because he is black and said it.

And, the riff in the gay community along racial lines is worse than his comments IMO.

jas
June 23 2007, 4:28PM

GLAAD never called for him to get fired!! some people need to get that through their thick skulls. they actually said he SHOULD NOT get fired.

to me it doesnt mean shit if it was a white person, a black person or a green person who said it! he publicly outed his co-worker to the media. as gay people we should have understand for what that is. imagine if someone did that to you - went to the national media and outed you to the world. and anyway, ABC has the full right to not renew someone's contract!

this has been turned into a racial arguement for no reason at all. gay white people are not the crooks some people try to make us out on this site. of course there are white gay racists, same way there are black gay racists or chinese gay racists. but please grow up, this is getting silly.

Jose
June 23 2007, 4:45PM

Well, jas, they may not have wanted him to get fired, but, they sure must be happy, and they have shown, that even with an apology, you will still be branded a homophobe, no matter what you say and do. They got off easy with IW, the next person isn't, and shouldn't be repentant or deal with Glaad at all and should make if they say a slur, deal with rational elements in the gay community. And, ABC should have fired him from the start, so, they are as much to blame as the so called acvivist for how this has spiraled out of control and opening up the deep racial divisons.

As for all white gays not being racists, I agree, sure about 10% of them are not. And, these weak gay people who let words bring the down need to get some back bone, getting folks fired/and or glaoting for not liking you isn't going to make them more tolerant and accepting.

Corrina
June 23 2007, 4:51PM

I'm glad he's coming out with his side of the incidents that have happened. It's too bad that a private fight between co-workers were made public but it did; he made mistakes, he's human, he apologized, he's in the spotlight, had his respect stripped away and now is trying to gain it back. This is a process that he has to go through because he's an actor-it's the nature of the beast. He's a brilliant actor and I hope people can forgive him for making a gross mistake. Why are people holding on to their anger about this petty incident between 2/3 co-workers-is this not a waste of your energy?
About his article in Essence magazine,in regards to saying that they cannot see his support for the Gay community, Isiah clearly points out his disappointment in playing some gay/cross dressing characters that are 2 dimensional and that fall into the regular stereotypes...stereotypes that are supported by our racist-homophobic culture. He supported the community by cont to play the characters.

Angela Channing
June 23 2007, 5:08PM

Good Lord, I wish I watched Gray's Anatomy to even care about this dust-up....but one thing is true...someone is very delusional. Either T.R. Knight is delusional to think McDreamy could be sacked so he could be the romantic lead or Isiah Washington is delusional that T.R. Knight could get McDreamy fired. What is odd though is that out gay actors usually have trouble getting straight romantic lead parts, so if that was T.R. Knight's plan, he was fool. Let's say that everything Isiah says is true, sadly he ends up looking like the nut. It is difficult enough to find work in the industry being African-American...but if you are African American and branded a nut, well...

Thank you for listening. Please talk amongst yourselves.

jas
June 23 2007, 5:10PM

well Jose again, it is a misconception that he was fired due to pressures from GLAAD or gay pressure groups. it's just not true. ABC decided to not renew the contract; we don’t know why. i have seen no proof that its because he’s black.

what should we gay people (of all colors) have done? just shut up about the word being used??

also, the F word does have a lot of power. of course people get 'brought down' by it. i know that if someone had referred to me publicly using the F word - especially before i was out - it would have made an impact.

and yes he apologized – that’s fine – but ABC decided to fire him (against the advice of GLAAD) and that’s their perrogative. if anyone has proof that decision was racially motivated please present it.

JJJnATL
June 23 2007, 5:26PM

To me, this isn't a homophobic or racial issue. It is about personal responsibility. While I think the word faggot is deplorable, IW has the right to say anything he wants. If he wants to call someone a faggot, whether in reference, behind their back or to their face, he can. However, with this freedom also comes the requirement to face the consequences of his speech. He used an inappropriate word, in whatever context, at his place of employment and was fired for it. That's pretty much it and that's pretty much all it should be. He went to REHAB for using a fucking word. How did we allow ourselves to be convinced this was acceptable? It's ludicrous. Let's reverse the situation and say that TR used the word nigger on the set in ANY context. Can he do that? Of course he can. Should he be fired for it? Absolutely!!! If we DEMANDED personal responsibility of ourselves and others, we would not be discussing the use of a word and what type of "punishment" would take away its sting.

Cadence
June 23 2007, 6:25PM

Andy, obviously Isaiah didn't do everything he could to show ABC and the producers of Grey's Anatomy that he was sorry, if he had he would still have a job. Even by his own words he has proven that he doesn't feel that what he did was wrong. His actions over the past few months were only an attempt to keep his job, and not because he really felt remorse for his actions.

G99
June 23 2007, 7:13PM

What happened to "the land of the free". Isn't he free to say anything he wants?
I don't agree with what he said, but making such a big fuss about his big mouth is ridiculous. He didn't kill anyone, he said a stupid thing. He paid for it more than enough.
One fucking word. Would it have been better if he said "All homosexuals should be shot in the head", since no F word was used there?

Cadence
June 23 2007, 7:28PM

One more thing, Johnny get your facts straight, TR didn't go on Ellen a few days after the fight, he went on three months later, a few days after Washington made a fool of himself (and embarrassed his cast mates) at the Golden Globes. The people who want to make this a race issue only show their own bigotry because they can't even use the facts to make their case.

And, it is obviously not the word that's the problem, but how it is used and why. There was no reason for Washigton to bring TR into his arguement with Dempsey, and there is no reason for Washington to feel that he has the right to harass his fellow co-workers. No one here would want to work with someone who acts like Isaiah. Nor would we be wrong for expecting our employers to intervene in the situation.

Andy
June 23 2007, 7:39PM

Cadence, just what more could the man do other than apologize? What is it that you and the others want? Sorry, he was wrong, but, this we ain't happy is worse, since it shows the country, that gay people want it a certain way, when others let things go.

I for one don't care if he works again, I had never heard of him until the first on set incident,never seen the shown but, give me a break, he didn't do enough?? I guess the only thing that would appease his critics would have been his first born. I want to hear what he says, we have heard it over and over about poor outed TJ, and how awful IW is, so, why not let him try and clear his name?

This is no way to get acceptance, since it seems to be if anyone makes a mistake and not do it the gay way, off with their heads. All this outrage over a television actor and some silly show? Just what was achieved by this firing and humbling? About as much as was with Imus and others who have made slurs, nothing in the big scheme of life.

kimanis
June 23 2007, 8:32PM

I actually liked Isaiah W. more since the Golden Globes incident for the very human trait of 'putting your foot in your mouth'. It was very refreshing to see a big star blurt out their real thoughts and I NEVER got a hateful vibe from him. However, he does seem to get too hot under the collar and I don't think that should be forgivable as artistic license for him or any other individual who seeks public admiration. There's always room to improve our coping methods but I do sympathize since I have a hard time letting go of things too.

MidwestGuy
June 23 2007, 8:51PM

Jas unfortunately you are a willing participant in the media hype and irrationality. Isaiah didn't "out" him. Whoever the person on the set that leaked it to the media "outed" him. Separate fact from emotion. If we had to hear the private arguments of people on their jobs we would probably be mad everyday.

Isaiah was a man. He came to us (black gays). He could have very easily said nothing. As for GLAAD, if they wanted Isaiah to keep his job, I can assure you that without a doubt he would have it. The black gay community seemed in sync with this effort to oust him. This isn't neccessarily a race issue because it seems as if all black gays are outraged because of the word FAGGOT. When GLAAD and all these other organizations become outraged w/the deaths of black gay males THEN I'll get upset because some irrelevant white boy through the grapevine heard that someone call him a faggot. How dare we join the band.

Ostend Street
June 23 2007, 9:09PM

All of this is becoming very tierd and very last year. Let's move on. IW will be just fine. Activist and legal folk, you handle it from here!!

the truth
June 23 2007, 9:18PM

Isn't Isaiah Washington the angry man who strangled patrick "mcdreamy" Dempsey during a fight when he supposedly said this word? If you check around he's an angry man who has many fights on movie or tv sets and his character on grey's anatomy is one of the lest favorites. I'm glad he's gone he did nothing for the show and it's better off without him?

jaded and cynical
June 23 2007, 9:19PM

This is just fecking lovely. All the haters and bigots are using this as an excuse to hate more. The black people who hate gay people will probably go and beat someone up using IW's firing as an excuse. Please, feckers, you already hated gay people. You probably also hate Jewish people and Muslim people, Latino people and Asians.

But the gay people who hate black people don't get a free pass on this. You may think that you're fooling people but you're not.

You know who really wins here? Not IW of course, he got fired. The gay people didn't win because even though TR still has a job, now that people know he's gay, all the bigots have stopped watching Gray's Anatomy.

The people who WIN are the racist and homophobic white people who want to oppress all minorities. Not just the Klu Klux Klan and Nazi hate groups. Right wing nuts who think that hate crime legislation is just special rights.

Think about it.

ShariG
June 23 2007, 9:28PM

Thank you so much for your article. I have believed in Isaiah Washington's innocence in the supposed homophobia-gate from the beginning. He has been in Hollywood for too long for this not to have shown up before if it were true. Those out to get his head would surely have uncovered something and all they could come up with was that he kissed someone too enthusiastically on a previous television series. If you need corroboration that Ted Casablanca from eonline asked about the homophobic slur the minute the cast assembled in the press room after the win, I have it on tape. Shonda was at the mic, but the question was not directed specifically to Shonda and was about Isaiah's supposed slur of Knight. Isaiah stepped to the mic and said he had never called TR a slur. Then Mr. Casablanca went about the business of convincing a far too easily convinced pro gay community that by uttering the word in his denial he had as much as called him the slur again, bragging about his question in his column.

Andre
June 23 2007, 9:38PM

jaded, maybe you need to take that post and put on the white run ones where they have been hurling around the n-word about black men, straight and gay over this whole nightmare, and, they aren't talking about "gay rights" they are peeved that a black man called a wimpy in the closet white guy a name, allegedly. to come here with that condescending tone is a joke since black gay men and women are unwanted by black straights and most white gays, so, your silly plea is just that, silly. and, we have no power at all in hollywoodland to get anyone hored or fired, unlike the glaad group, and, sorry, i say they are behind the firing, even though, who really cares about some silly show with someone called mcdreamy?

come back when you want to deal with real issues about being gay and not having rights, creeching about rich actors does not deal with anything. yep, think about it indeed.

pcheset
June 23 2007, 9:41PM

I'm a straight female and I've never understood why gays feel they should be treated differently or have rights because of their sexual preference. To say one is discriminated against because someone calls them a faggot, queer, dike, etc is confusing to me. I feel it is a choice to be gay. It is not a choice to be black. So one can be discriminated against their race. I don't think it's anyone's business what goes on in your bedroom. I only mentioned that I'm a "straight" female to say that I don't get any special treatment because I love men, why should gays and lesbians get special treatment because they prefer the same sex.
I'm a good friend of Isaiah's. I've known him for 25 years. I wish he would have spoken sooner about the situation, but like most of us who've ever gotten "written up" on their job, we have to bite the bullet and "be good" for a while. Maybe I should have ran to the press for him and gave the real story. He might still be a part of the show!

ben
June 23 2007, 9:43PM

People hear are blaming T.R. Knight for playing the "gay victim" but isn't Isaiah Washington turning it around and now playing the "black victim. "

There are a lot of blacks who are defending and supporting Washington :cough: keith :cough: just because he is black. Get over the white racism crap; this is not about racism! Stop pulling out this sick racism card because it is seriously getting old..

Me
June 23 2007, 10:01PM

i personally think they are both playing victim. I think first T.R. and now Isiah. However i will say this.. I remember that ellen show and T.R. said it was shocking cuz he had never been called that to his face before. Thus implying he was on set and it was directed at him. That makes me lose respect for him. It's a horrible word and shouldn't have been said but for him to play that game would be the same as if he had said the N word and Isiah found out about it and acted the same way T.R is.

DDC
June 23 2007, 10:04PM

For some reason this incident ignites deep-rooted hurt & bitterness from you offended people that wasn't present during the focus on other purported homophobic men like Buju Banton, Bobby Brown, and Tim Hardaway. Why would one off-handed word from a still-rising actor do this? Because I think most of you anti-IW people are attracted to him/his type and felt extremely hurt that he might not support you much less be attracted back. A huge level of betrayal and pain comes across in your posts, which strangely are conspicuously missing the stock "he-probably-a-closet-case-himself" charge. Funny how this pain isn't present with the less-than-gorgeous Buju or Bobby, lol. PS, Terrence Howard, take a lesson from this & watch yo back, boo!

cpric003
June 23 2007, 10:15PM

I am reminded slightly of a Will and Grace episode: "Don't play the gay card, or then I'm going to have to play the woman card". A battle of the of the minorities. Whether the gay actor is more vilified then the black actor within Hollywood.
When I first heard about the incident I, like many, was appalled at the use of the 'F word'. However it does appear unlikely that I man who has been an advocate of black and gay 'minority roles' in Hollywood, who is intimate friends with many gay people (as the poem referenced above demonstrates), and whose watershed role was in fact playing a gay character - would suddenly become a violent homophobic.
People use the insults "gay" and "fag" colloquially, the implication being that for someone to be homosexual is the ultimate insult. However, while I would never use the expressions myself, I'm not certain that the use of this type of language correlates with someone being homophobic.

jas
June 23 2007, 10:34PM

MidwestGuy i agree with you - GLAAD should be outraged by the death of black gay males. e.g. by the murder of roberto duncanson in brooklyn. of course they should. it's a much more important issue than IW could ever be. why do you feel like they don't care about it?

but, i don't see how that relates to this racial defense of washington. they would have had the exact same criticisms if he was white. and i don't know if GLAAD is really as powerful as you may think - because - as I said earlier they stated that he SHOULD NOT be fired.

and before the press conference it was a rumor - he stood on the podium and publicly said it in front of all the press. he made it into a story. it's adding insult to injury and in my book the two together constitue outing him. i don't have a strong opinion on whether or not he should be fired - that's up to ABC.. if it's proven that it was racist i'd join in the fight.. but i don't see the link right now

Hijo
June 23 2007, 10:47PM

Yes "pecheset" - being Gay is definitely a choice! Your are so astute. You have to remember we are very similar. Just because you've made a conscious choice to be a cunt - doesn't mean that its ok for someone to call you that. It is still a nasty dirty word to be called no matter how closely you might resemble the remark. It doesn't make it right.

For me, long before I ever had sex, long before I ever made a "choice", as you suggest, to be Gay (its so much fun to be different) I was still called a faggot by people who had every intention to bash my face and grind my brain into the concrete. So - you have to give me just a little space - because when I hear that word faggot spoken in the same way - I am 14 years old again, with no conscious sexual identity, and most of my waking hours are consumed with survival because of the implications of what that word "faggot" meant to certain people. C U Next Tuesday.

LaRufus
June 23 2007, 10:47PM

IW? Sexy? Cute? To whom may I ask? Not me!! If, I want that look, I'll go old school, give me Big Daddy Kane, hey now! Just some humor in this huge fight, just some humor! This thing has taken on a life of ts own, and what's going to be accomplished by all this rancor? All I've seen is a whole lot of nasty talk,you're wrong, he's wrong, she's wrong, blah, blah, blah. And I see far more pressing issues than this one facing the whole gay community. I can't relate to IW, and certainly can't relate to TR Knight on any level, so, I guess I'm the odd black man out here.

ABC had a right to fire him for whatever reason, and he has a right to speak his mind, I guess I still don't see why all the hoopla is going back and forth, unless this whole thing has stopped some kid who is getting tormented at school for being gay or perceived as gay. Unless its been a weekend with no gay bashing around the country. Unless some politican hasn't said the same thing. Somehow this drama is turing into a bad soap opera.

TR
June 23 2007, 11:19PM

It seems that the real issue and the real debate here is ultimately recognizing the power that words have and our responsibility to use them with reverence.

For many, regardless of sexual identity and choice, there was a time in our youth when being called "faggot" was a label likened to a death sentence. Try growing up in Oklahoma in the 1970's. Many of us have had to overcome being regularly chased, shoved, punched and beaten over that label and as campy as we might make use of it among ourselves - to hear the epitaph from an outsider spoken as a slur hits that raw nerve that steeled itself for survival in different times.

I, for one, grow a little frustrated this evening when a heterosexual female (pecheset above)suggests that I want to be treated differently because of my sexual orientation. She misses the point entirely. The struggle is not to be treated differently. Our struggle is a constant battle to be treated the same - with some semblance of equality and respect and our dignity in tact.

Red
June 23 2007, 11:22PM

If I remember correctly TR went on Ellen to talk about the incident. He said that Isiah and Patrick had gotten into an argument and Isiah used the f-word. TR said that he heard Isiah use this word and so did everyone else. At the golden globes right after this came up you could hear a reporter ask, "Isiah, did you say that to TR?" and Isiah answered correctly, "No, I never said it to him, never happened." Which is true. He didn't say it to TR, he said it to Patrick. So what Isiah is saying now is conceivable.

Cadence
June 23 2007, 11:32PM

Andy, I said he didn't do enough for ABC and the producers of the show. As I've stated before, this was never about GLAAD or the gay community, but Isaiah's relationship with the people that he worked with and for. I think if ABC believed that Isaiah was sincere and that there wouldn't be future incidents then he would still have a job.

As has been said before, and you and others refuse to listen to it, GLAAD asked that Washington not be fired, TR didn't come out and say Washington should be fired; so why are people putting the blame on them? This whole thing occured because of Washington's actions.

mcobsessed
June 23 2007, 11:37PM

I think it is pathetic that people are comparing a sexuality issue to a race issue. Sexuality is something that can be hidden, Race is not. TR needs to stand up and be a man and realise that sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me....It is so kindergarten grow up....

Geoff
June 23 2007, 11:38PM

Well, to get respect you have to show it, and the ones who keep harping that the big old mean black man didn't give TR any, need to practice what they are attempting to preach. I for one get sick and tired of these closet cases as victims, even though as fem as he is, I doubt that anyone didn't know he wasn't gay. The victims are the ones who are on the front lines fighting discrimination, not rich actors or the rich Glaad guys, who have no clue about real gay life in their sheltered worlds. I still don't get it why so many can't deal with or understand, the world does not have to bow down to every demand that the gay rights groups demand, when they are as intolerant of gay people of color as anyone else.

And, to the guy who called the woman who has issues with gay people a slur, that just proves the point. Be a real man, and debate the issue, and not stoop to using a slur. Its amazing that the same ones who are whining about how offended they were with Washington slur, have no issue spewing their own

errol
June 23 2007, 11:54PM

I think Isaiah Washington is the best thing since sliced bread. He MADE the cast of Grey's Anatomy. I believe him and wish him well. I also loved his role in Get On The Bus.
Keep on Keepin on Isaiah!!!

Will
June 24 2007, 12:18AM

Jas, I respect your opinion but disagree that this isn't a racial issue. It is but was made one by white gays who, desperate as usual to justify their own hatred of blacks, delighted in taking one man's ignorance and applying it to an entire race. The moment the IW/TR incident went public, white gay bloggers hit the ground running with posts about "this is why I hate black people," "all blacks are homophobes," calling Shonda Rhimes all kinds of bitches and cunts, etc. (If you don't believe me, just log on to Datalounge and read the rantings over there.) Black gays also offended by IW's actions didn't matter a damn (even when we agree they don't care) and our posts saying so were dismissed. And the best part? While these hypocrites were on their moral high horse about IW, they completely ignored a topic I created about the murder of Michael Sandy, which didn't draw even one response and was eventually deleted. Apparently, his death just couldn't measure up to the hurt feelings of poor T.R. Knight.

Andy
June 24 2007, 12:35AM

Cadence, we'll have to disagree. Glaad is more than happy to have got this man fired, and, while it does not shatter my world or make my day like it does some here, since I'm not his agent and don't get a cut of his pay, and while his words were offensive, they didn't offend me as I don't know him and they weren't directed at me. He had become a liability to ABC, and they were within their rights to get rid of him, and he should have known it was coming.

And, like the one poster here said, maybe the Glaad folks need to spell out just what they do, and how they are able to make demands of anyone especially in Hollywood where they have more insiders than any group in the world. Sorry, I have no respect for Isaiah, and even less for anything related to Glaad, but am big enough and man enough to say, he apologized and deserves a second chance, since this country is about giving people second chances, too bad in his case he isn't accorded that, I guess only certain people get that.

Thanks Will, well said!

leftist
June 24 2007, 12:46AM

Jesus- youa all act like GLAAD has so much power. They've done shit in the last ten years. They just take industry money so the industry can say it is "progressive". Have a couple of awards shows.

But the same problems continue, a lack of out gay actors, and lack of concrete industry proposals to bring more people of color, gay folk, and underrepresented communities to the forefront.

All GLAAD is is an appeaser group for the hollywood industry establishment.

Mr. Jackson State
June 24 2007, 1:50AM

In reference to "PCHESET"...Girl, you have gave this Blog entirely too much. I cannot bear to read the garbage you wrote above. How dare to tell the gay community that they choose to be GAY???..How do you know we choose to be Gay? Did you choose to be straight? Special Rights???? Are you serious…. I don't believe we want special rights and privileges…I wonder do women want special right and privileges…Because there is a Double Standards when it some to women…such I provided example….upon request I will.... we want to be respected as human beings instead of being dehumanized everyday we encounter stupidity. All human deserves the same rights! Don't you agree? If you think that homosexuals choose to be gay, where is your data or research to prove your hypotheses (I should even call it an hypotheses….its not even an educated guess). I am a Social Scientist; you have to convince me Ma'am.

art
June 24 2007, 4:50AM

"Intuition and Reasoning tells me something ain't right with Knight."

liquid you most be out of you mind you are going on a feeling and not on facts:

1. Washington said "I am not your little faggot like T.R."on set while shocking patrick ( T.R. was there)
2. he said it didn't happen at the award show (lie)
3. T.R. was force to come out because everyone was asking who the fag castmate was.It was himself our the tabloids.
4. if T.R Knight had said to patrick "I Am not you little nigger like washington" you would be calling for his head.
5. Washington made this bed all by himself.
6. and if you don't see anything wrong with the way this guy is behaving read the article again.Malcome X, MLK, please,boy!

Brit
June 24 2007, 5:42AM

I'm sorry but the "gay card" is the new new "black card" and T.R. innapropriatly pulled it.

jas
June 24 2007, 5:59AM

Will, taking the words of some bloggers and applying them to a whole community is DANGEROUS. it just can't be done. certain blogs spew all kinds of hate - it doesn't make it representative of anyone.

i hate racism in the gay community. it makes me sick to my stomach, both ways.

but if you look at the real world there has, for example, been an effective and joint effort to stop homophobia in Dancehall music. that whole campaign was started by a white guy, Peter Thatchell, in an effort to fight homophobic abuse of jamaican and black gay men. together Outrage and the Black Gay Men's Advisory Group drove that campaign which led to e.g. the document signed recently by elephant and beenie man. and we all stood together, white and black, to support Kevin Aviance after his attack.

we're not as divided as some people suggest here in this never-ending saga. highlighting the differences rather than the common struggle is just counterproductive..

And again, white gays did not get IW fired.

Banger
June 24 2007, 8:00AM

T.R. Knight is WHACK!!!!

I BELIEVE ISAIAH. TR's character DID do a SERIOUS turn. He appears sullen, overly serious and troubled. ABC should have AX T.R.Knight. But ABC knew they couldn't do that - so they SABATOGED its best show to cater to the gay community to show that it's politically correct. BAD MOVE. Now we must contend with a DEPRESSED T.R. KNIGHT - that everybody can see LACKS acting range. YUCK! Besides, Isaiah DID NOT OUT T.R.KNGHT - an INSIDER at ABC outed T.R. Knight and he rolled with the punches and tried to play this weepy puppy - it's not working. Nobody likes a crybaby gayman anyway. FORGET Grey's Anatomy - It's been BORING this past year anyway. Ugly Betty is where its at. BTW Keith, who is all these NEW POSTERS? They certainly are not BLACK!

MidwestGuy
June 24 2007, 9:44AM

The incident was started by IW, instigated by the leaker, and put in motion by GLADD and the 'Blanca's. There are always people behind the scenes who are interested in making headlines irrespective of fact and this is no different. Imus's scapegoat was hip-hop. Can IW use that too? Of course not, he's just an angry black man.
There are both white and BLACKS who bought into this. Glaad can't be blamed solely because the blk gay comm (if these posts are indicative) are apparently just as OUTRAGED as the white comm. The key here is that both groups were silent and neither publicly supported IW. We allowed ourselves to be used by the media so we (all gays) will be blamed.
Star said it was agreed that ABC would devote segments to her wedding. It was never refuted but she'll always be known as Bridezilla. ABC (NOT TMZ) now has the chance to refute IW claims.
If he's a liar then they have every reason 2let us know just how crazy he is. He has nothing 2 gain by talking 2us but he did. Much respect 4 that!

MnMwNutz
June 24 2007, 9:49AM

I seem to remember that when this story first broke the fight was between IW and PD with TR being added on as an afterthought. A few days later the story changed and he was down the hall and heard the argument and felt forced to come out. Then it became IW confronted and called him this name. At the awards show he was answering a question "...no, I did not call TR a faggot....." And in the spirit of full disclosure, I don't watch the show and I'm a big ol'dyke

eric daniels
June 24 2007, 10:06AM

I find it funny that Black Gays on this site want the larger A.A. community to be tolerant but they practice the same intolerance towards black st8s that they abhor in the black st8 community. Black Gays and Lesbians will need the Black st8 community to pass a Marriage Amendment in every state in this country whether cmoney or the other black or white gays like it or not.

As for Washington's faux paux, there was pressure behind the scenes to fire him by Gladd and other gay white groups, but that was his fault because he violated Hollywood's first commandment "thou shalt not slur white gays or jews in Hollywood". Washington did that and he lost his contract, he will bounce back but he has to keep "his mouth shut".

As a st8 person who has worked in various jobs and groups, the biggest racists I have encountered were gay white males.

Marc
June 24 2007, 10:32AM

The whole thing is more definitely a racial issue. Didn't start out as one between Washington, Knight, and Dempsey, but the general public turned it into one. Check out the Internet Movie Database message boards for GA, Washington, and Knight, and you'll see white gays (and straigts) spouting all kinds of racist rhetoric. It's as if they're appalled that a 'black' man had the nerve to speak ill of a white man...even if he is a homosexual.

Then there are those who wanted Washington fired, just to prove a point to the mainstream and to validate their own political agenda. Callously spouting off "treat him the same way they would treat someone who said 'the-N word'."

The whole thing is annoying because it wasn't black people, or black gay people, who made this about race. It was gay white men, who already had a snide way of looking at black folks in general, that pounced. Had it been Dempsey who called Knight a faggot, this conversation (as well as the overall outcome) would be very different.

JustMe
June 24 2007, 10:52AM

So Don Imus loses his show for saying "nappy headed hos" but Isaiah can say faggot and it's cool? I'm not following the logic on that one.
Until the black community (whatever that is) realizes that homophobia = racism = sexism, I have no sympathy.
If you want this respect word that's thrown around all the time, then start showing some for yourselves and giving it to others. Until then, don't ask anyone to care.

dalphine
June 24 2007, 10:54AM

I believe Isaiah Washington story, I can't stand that Heigl BITCH she was in on it to she wouldn't shut her fucking mouth up. I saw that Spike Lee movie get on bus and thought it was a good movie. I hope he gets his job back and those two other fuckers get fired.

Cadence
June 24 2007, 11:21AM

Marc, there both White and Black people have made this into a race issue. Jasmyne Cannick jumped on this, before she had all of the facts, and said it was a race issue. There are enough bigots on all sides.

JustMe
June 24 2007, 11:26AM

And just imagine if anyone said the N word into the microphone in front of the press and cameras at the Golden Globes. Seriously folks.

'dre
June 24 2007, 11:35AM

white gays may not have got him "fired" but, they sure are some happy campers. and sorry anti-black iw posters, don't blame black gay bloggers for not towing the line, i guess you must skip and gloss over the white gay sites, they and thier posters made RACE and issue with a myrid of slurs as they couldn't control thier onwn pent up racism and the owners of the sites endorsed it, keep it real now.

iw put his foot in his mouth and got his cumuppance, fired just like he should have been. but, he should have known better, black folks can't and aren't allowed to say or do the same things as white people in this country, we are held to a much higher standard, and he really knew in hollywood that you can't be negative about jewish people and gays, since for goodness sake they own and run tinseltown!!

and jas, bless your heart, you mean well, but, the majorty of white gays don't have your level of sensitvity, hence the negative feelings from so many black gay men. and, i don't see that ever changing.

JustMe2
June 24 2007, 12:05PM

Now imagine if "white people" had a whole industry filled with songs peppered with racist lyrics (instead of homophobic and sexist ones). Seriously folks. It's time to stop blaming everyone else.

'dre
June 24 2007, 12:18PM

sorry justme2, no one is "blaming" anyone, most of us live in the real world, and are quite capable of seeing how the real world works. just because there are self loathing black men and women who "rap" and spew lyrics of self loathing while under the record labels run by white folks is hardly the best way to try your "comparison." just like these black gays who reuse to admit and own up to the scary prevalence of racism in the overall gay communtiy.just keeping it real! maybe them and the others who are posting need to get off this site and check out some of the other gay sites which get a much larger following, and posters who let it all hang out, this so far has been a civil thread.

Cadence
June 24 2007, 12:20PM

Marc, to continue, just like Jasmyne fanned the flames for Black bigots, people like the editors of After Elton fanned the flames for White bigots by saying Isaiah Washington is an example of the rampant homophobia in the Black community. Neither side was right, but TR Knight nor Isaiah Washington should be punished for because of the actions of others. We can talk about the lack of diversity of organizations like GLAAD and HRc, but that doesn't have anything to do with this incident.

Derrick from Derrick
June 24 2007, 12:30PM

Mr. Daniels:
I don't care whether straight black folks support some gay marriage ballots or not( 'cause Reggie Bush (of the Saints) or Tiger Tyson aint gone marry me no way, so what?); just stop teaching your nigra' children to throw bottles at my head because I'm a faggot. OK?

And, no, white homos may NOT be my friends, BUT, until black folks learn that feminine males go back a long time in African cultures, and that they must stop persecuting us; then, y'all aint no friends of mine either; y'all aint no more to me than them crackas in the Ku Klan Klan.

fky
June 24 2007, 12:39PM

Language can be so confusing and frustrating... I have many openly gay friends who call one another queer and fag -- Is this a case of, "if you're not in the club, you can use the secret words?" Just the other day I used the queer word, and wondered later if by using it, that makes me a friend of the LGBT community or an enemy? I stopped to ask myself if there was any malintent behind my use of the word, and I don't think so. I was talking about a friend to a friend, in a friendly way. But I can see how someone of my generation could easily make that mistake - in the 1980's and early 90's everyone watched Paris is Burning and felt hip -- I never got the memo that said fag is a bad word.

Isaiah is such a fine actor, and before all of this hit the news I was watching him, thinking "this actor is too good for this show." That's coming from a lifetime member of the actors studio. I hope that after the sensationalism has passed, that both of them will be able to move forward with their careers.

jas
June 24 2007, 12:42PM

dre, i take back some of what i said above. there are plenty of white gay racist b*tches. and fuck them for that. i was actually told a racist joke just today - out of the blue - and had to get into an argument about it.

(however there are 2 issues here. i still think IW was wrong for saying what he did, and that if they wanted to ABC had the right not to renew his contract.)

this whole thing just sucks. but instead of this shit-throwing match it would be interesting to hear what ppl think we can do abt it ??

jas
June 24 2007, 1:14PM

ps. just checked out that towelroad site - and was surprised to see there is nothing racist in the posts there, unlike someone said above that there was.

only thing was as one comment said:

Sometimes, when bad things happen to someone who's gay, it's not because of homophobia - the bad things are the negative consequences of that individual's bad behavior.

Sometimes, when bad things happen to someone who's black, it's not because of racism - the bad things are the negative consequences of that individual's bad behavior.

justme
June 24 2007, 1:36PM

i'm curious: nobody's commented on the fact that IW said the word faggot on camera in front of the press at the golden globes. could anyone get away with saying an equivalent racial slur? aka the N word in that forum and not get fired, cause this controversy, etc? the answer is unequivocally no. if a white man or woman said: "i never called mike tyson a nigger" on national tv, heads would roll. IW is pretty ignorant if he doesnt realize the gravity of that remark/word, which to me indicates that he is homophobic and probably used the word on the set.

Corrina
June 24 2007, 2:16PM

justme, you cannot in anyway shape or form compare the Imus comment with IW's comment. Imus is a very well known racist-HUGE racist. IW is a well known actor for his cross-dressing and gay character rolls. He also has many gay friendsthat have been supporting him through this time. Would a homophobic ever play a gay character? or try on a dress? or apologize to his co-worker, the fans and the gay community for the use of the word? You must be right IW is clearly a homophobe-NOT. look at the facts, you sound ignorant!

Meghan
June 24 2007, 2:22PM

From the beginning, I got the impression that this was a case of the squeakiest gears get the oil. This would not have been such a big issue, if loudmouths like Katherine Heigl, hadn't used every media appearance to stir things up, and scream injustice. Yes, the word used was wrong, yes, IW was wrong, but he apologized, and I don't think it seemed to affect his professionalism in fulfilling his contract. I can't stand people like TR Knight and his lapdog, Katie Heigl who are using this as an issue to promote their own careers, and that has been clear to me from the beginning. It is about money and power, it has never been about predjudice, injustice, or hostile working conditions. That is all blown out of proportion to benefit their own airtime.

justme
June 24 2007, 2:25PM

nobody's touching the "if a white person said the N word on camera at the golden globes" issue. anyone? anyone?

Jose
June 24 2007, 2:34PM

jas, like the other poster said, you seem to have that clue that is missing from so many white gay men, but, sorry, Towleroad is one of the most virulently racist sites around when it comes to black people, gay or straight IMO only of course. The IW slurs were some of the most vile I have ever seen on ANY message board. The Shirley Liquor fans have spit out racial slurs that would make a Klansman blush, so, sorry, I have to say, you are sadly mistaken if you check out that site on the weekend and not a weekday, so, check it out on a regular basis, its a good site, until anything black shows up and the cyber cowards let loose. Or you must have checked in when its all about Beckham or some of those other "roided circuit queens that he loves.

And, Meghan, right on, if these people think that TR is going to be some sort of adovocate for gay rights, they will get a rude awakening, he is all about TR and making his coins. And, that Kathy Heigal chick makes me want to hurl with her abrasive, uncouth self.

ChicagoChild
June 24 2007, 2:43PM

I think the real stink for Black people started when TR went on the Ellen Show. As if he had some great conspiracy to report to the "unsuspecting" White masses. He came off as such a small minded and deceptive, whiny little man, that really, I had to turn the channel. And is Ellen supposed to be "The Man" now? Who the feck is she? And WHO cares what she THINKS? Before that, TR had the White Chick from the show warning the great White masses and creating a general White Hysteria. TR knows his "racial" history. If you want to bring a Black man down, start with a "hysterical" and "wronged" White woman slandering your name and spreading stories about you.

@Blue: Don't pay BV any mind. Anyone with an OUNCE of intelligence can plainly see that it is TROLLVILLE for the lowly minded.

MidwestGuy
June 24 2007, 2:50PM

Justme, First, we need to stop comparing slurs. Nigger and Faggot, although slurs are two different things which should reasonably carry different weight.

Imus, Oprah, Keith, Jasmyne et. al had no problem repeating the term nappy headed ho AFTER the initial remark from Imus. So, the answer to your question is while it may have raised eyebrows, repeating a word isn't an equivalent which is exactly what IW did--repeated a word. That is unless you feel like Imus and all of America repeating nappy-headed ho carried the same weight as the initial insult. Anyone? Anyone?

We have no problem saying nappy-headed ho, hymie or kike but there is a public ban on the F and N word. That's a result of activism gone too far. It's faggot and nigger.

Ooooh, did that tear your soul in two to see those words. give me a break!

Isaiah went to counseling. Did Imus? Did Mel Gibson? It speaks volumes as to how ridiculous word sensitivity, overarching activism, and media irresponsibility has gotten.

Corrina
June 24 2007, 2:51PM

Sorry, one more comment just-me. the 'white people'(as well a some of the black community) in the industry do have the songs peppered with racism. internalized racism, classism and sexism. it's littered with racist stereotypes. I'm just talking about rap and hip-hop here...but ask yourself why it's only these types of songs that are popular? racism, classism and sexism, they all work hand in hand.

with the N word. Dude come-on...are you serious? us white-folks keep our racism internalized otherwise we would have to start taking responsibility for our oppression of the races that live in our community. In fact maybe someone should say the N word...oh wait someone did! Kramer(form Sienfeld) remember that incident? that lasted about a week!