Did "Grey's" Brawl Force Knight Out of the Closet?

Posted Oct 19th 2006 4:20PM by TMZ Staff

"Grey's Anatomy" star T.R. Knight told PEOPLE exclusively that he is gay. But was this coming out of his own free will, or as a result of the much-hyped fight between "Grey's" stars Isaiah Washington and Patrick Dempsey?

PEOPLE released a statement from Knight today that said, "While I prefer to keep my personal life private, I hope the fact that I'm gay isn't the most interesting part of me."

But the National Enquirer may have tipped us off to the story when they reported that during the fight between Washington and Dempsey, Washington yelled, "I'm not your little faggot like (name deleted)."

The Enquirer said they withheld the name of the co-star Washington mentioned "because of the extreme nature of the slur."

Does Knight's disclosure confirm the Enquirer's story?

Calls to Washington's reps were not immediately returned.

Filed under: Gossip/Rumors, TV

Comments [206]

Digg it Del.icio.us My Yahoo Sphere RSS MySpace Permalink Email

Reader Comments

(Page 1 of 14) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

1. If Isiah said that about T.R - then he should be fired. Kudos for Patrick for sticking up for T.R. Shame on you Isiah.

Posted at 4:33PM on Oct 19th 2006 by Janice

2. Absolutely, Washington should be fired for that kind of tantrum. Can you imagine if the situation had been reversed and it had been an ethnic slur?

Posted at 4:36PM on Oct 19th 2006 by BuhBye Washington

3. Wow!...maybe more gays should come the closet in Hollywood. Takes the burden off of hiding oneself and it will open America's eyes that gays and lesbians exist and guess what they can play leading parts regardless of their sexuality.

Posted at 4:38PM on Oct 19th 2006 by DC

4. yeah i agree, thats pretty horrible if that is what was said! I heard something on the radio today that he (Isiah) wasnt going to be on the show anymore??!! I didnt hear if he was fired, quit or what. Anybody hear anything??

Posted at 4:41PM on Oct 19th 2006 by Amanda

5. Well he is a damn cute gey guy i must say! I am happy for him and wish him the best and I agree Isaiah Washington should be fire. I bet no one would like it if there was a bad thing said about blacks. What a jerk!!! I love T.R. Knight, and i wish he wasnt gay so i could make out with him!!!

Posted at 4:42PM on Oct 19th 2006 by Loulou

6. I knew it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahahhaaa
And his girlfriend on the show is really a man LOL

Posted at 4:50PM on Oct 19th 2006 by T

7. Yea' go ahead as usually and blame everything on the black guy. . . When was the last time we heard something true come from the National Enquirer? Don't believe the hype people.

Posted at 4:50PM on Oct 19th 2006 by Tyler

8. i am a fan of everyone involved but i think knight should have been able to come out in his own time. i think washington behaved in an unprofessional and homophobic way. i hate that this happened.

Posted at 4:50PM on Oct 19th 2006 by vicki

9. One would think that people who have long agonized about being discriminated against would have been above a rude comment against another human being. I cannot comprehend the ignorance and intolerance that runs rampant thoughout our society. We are all God's children -- regardless of how you define your God.

Posted at 4:52PM on Oct 19th 2006 by Fay

10. Like him or not. Like IT or not.
I think the world will be a much better place when news items like this aren't "news"

Posted at 4:56PM on Oct 19th 2006 by Persephone

11. I know that most of what the NE publishes is pure crap, but from the other articles that are out there, something derogatory was said, and I'm sure this one is true. #2, I agree. Had it been a racial slur, there'd be a lawsuit/firing in a heartbeat. Isaiah Washington should be reprimended in some form if this story is true.

Posted at 4:56PM on Oct 19th 2006 by stix&stones

12. hang in there T.R....and shame on you Isiah.....washington should be fired....no wonder Isiah quickly tried to spin the argument as not big deal and no wonder they don't have the bigot doing any promoting for the show....

Posted at 5:01PM on Oct 19th 2006 by bag

13. Well this just ruins the wholesome image of George for me!! I mean what girl hasn't fallen head over heels in love with George??? He's sweet, kind, considerate, and cute to boot.
Shame on Burke! As a real-life nurse, it's enough knowing I have to spend 1/2 of my day with jack-ass docs....Oh and people let's not interject color and race into this arguement, call it what it is--HOMOPHOBIA!

Posted at 5:05PM on Oct 19th 2006 by kenni

14. oh damn! so now I have no shot with this guy?
hope was springing eternal............

Posted at 5:07PM on Oct 19th 2006 by declanium

15. I agree with poster #13. How dare he yell such a slur and think that's exceptable.

Posted at 5:10PM on Oct 19th 2006 by R

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments