Isaiah Washington's finally out of hiding after being fired from Grey's Anatomy. The unemployed actor sat down with Entertainment Weekly to discuss the scandalous situation and offer his side of the story.
When asked whether or not he considers his public booting "fair", Washington remarked:
I don't know if it's a question of "fair." I'm saddened by the outcome. I did everything that the producers and the network asked me to do. I came back under great duress and stress, and thought I was doing the job I was hired to do. I thought that was going to speak for my future at Grey's, but apparently that wasn't the same vision that the network and studio had for me.
This topic came up at the Queerty offices just yesterday. While we can't say whether we believe Washington sincerely believes his GLAAD garbage, ABC and Grey's producers really fucked him over.
Yeah, yeah, we know he called TR Knight a faggot, but, as Washington tells EW, he did everything execs asked of him, put up with months of media harassment and attempted to make amends. If they were going to fire him, they should have done it after the Golden Globes debacle, where he lied about his infamous faggot-flinging. Instead, producers made him into a puppet, paraded him around the media and then tossed him aside. That ain't fresh.
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Here's the thing: "I did everything that the producers and the network asked me to do." From my perspective, implicit in that comment is "…not because I thought it was the right thing to do, but because I was following orders." Washington treated the affair purely as a 'punishment' rather than an opportunity for learning. I'd be curious to find out who suggested 'gay rehab' (!) and the PSA–Washington or his handlers?
Yes, ABC screwed up. From what I've read (and, yes, don't believe everything you read on the web), Washington's had a history of 'behavior issues' on the set. What ABC should have done is stepped in after the initial incident–not wait until it got replayed on national television. It may be that ABC didn't fire him initially because they thought the situation could be rectified. However, perhaps they finally realized that forced 'rehab', forced PSAs, etc, didn't do enough to reduce tension on the set, and the best strategy for the good of the show was to let him go.
Guys, he fucked himself over. Should the execs remove anyone and anything that will bother poor Mr. Washington? Today TR Knight And Patrick Dempsey, tomorrow; who?
If he felt he was being wronged he should have quit and moved on. He was trying to protect his paycheck and residuals. He doesn't give a toss about anyone he hurt.
It's apparent he has a history of on-set tantrums and the Dempsey/Knight fiasco was the final straw.
Don't turn the perp into the victim here. I know that's the favorite game of too many "intellectuals," but the facts are he's a menace to co-workers and he fucked himself out of a job.
Paul,
:-) So it's "intellectual" to see problems with Washington's behavior and the response of his bosses? Who knew!
For a different editorial perspective i.e "Still A Dick" go to http://rawanddisorder.blogspot.....-dick.html
He truly deserved to be let go but they should've done it earlier. Also, it's disgusting to watch him try to play the victim…
Yes, BillieXX, that is exactly what I meant. Now, if you could see me, BillieXX, you'd notice that while writing this reply, my eyes have rolled so far into the back of my head that I look like Little Orphan Annie.
And seeing you roll your eyes is something I should see for what reason?
Be well Paul.
"And seeing you roll your eyes is something I should see for what reason?"
Clearly, you got the point.
fuck him and fuck any gay rights group that attempted to make a spokesmodel out of him.
watch..now that he got canned, he going to do a religious movie and probably be speaking at the next republican national convention. the right wingers will eat him up. he's black and hate homos…….just what they need.
jack jett