Celebrity Feuds
GLAAD Unhappy with Isaiah Washington

Isaiah WashingtonThe Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is demanding an apology from "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington for continually making homophobic remarks. In the past four months, Washington has used the offensive term "faggot" twice in reference to co-star T.R. Knight.

In a statement to TMZ, GLAAD President Neil Giuliano said, "When Isaiah Washington uses this kind of anti-gay slur - whether on set or in front of the press - it does more than create a hostile environment for his castmates and the crew of 'Grey's Anatomy.' It also feeds a climate of hatred and intolerance that contributes to putting our community in harm's way. Washington's repeated use of it on-set and in the media is simply inexcusable."

In an interview at Monday's Golden Globes, Washington denied using the offensive term by ... using the offensive term. "No, I did not call T.R. a faggot." Knight then went on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and confirmed that Washington did, in fact, use the term on the "Grey's" set in October.

GLAAD has contacted Washington in hopes of setting up a meeting with the embattled actor. Giuliano added, "We want to sit down with him and give him an opportunity to raise public awareness about the destructive impact of these kinds of anti-gay slurs. Over the past four months Washington has become part of a significant problem of anti-gay prejudice in this country. He now has an opportunity to be part of the solution."

Reps for "Grey's Anatomy" could not be immediately reached.



Reader Comments

(Page 4 of 7) Previous 15 Comments | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

46. You can't expect people to be as outraged by this as they were about Gibson and Kramer's comments. Gays don't have that level of support. The majority vote is against them marrying, adopting, and so on. Washington's comments aren't going to provoke the same level of response as Gibson and Kramer rantings because people still aren't confortable with homosexuality. That's why Washington hasn't been called to task yet. Even though he of all people should know better.

Posted at 7:53PM on Jan 17th 2007 by psuedonym001

47. #6 where u been?????? this is second time he has said this to a co-worker.
Now if T.R. had called Washington a nigger, he would have been fired on the spot, & blackballed in Wonderland 4 ever.
And really don't come back with what Kramer said because I am against what he did also.

Posted at 8:04PM on Jan 17th 2007 by Darlene

48. In other words, GLADD wants to use him for publicity, and he will look redeemed. Cute. Please!!! The matter should bew handled in house... the only person he may or may not owe an apology to is TR Knight. Why is this getting soooo much press! There are much bigger fish to fry!

Posted at 10:05PM on Jan 17th 2007 by Patrice

49. Dear Mr. Washington,
The gay community as of now and in the future I do not see disappearing.
We have to accept people that live in this world that we live in as no one is going anywhere. I've been here in the U.S. for some time now and I would say
nothing has changed. Don't be a HATER Mr. Washington no one can help how they came into this world we all need to accept one another because no one is going anywhere soon.
Sincerely,
WORLD PEACE

Posted at 8:23PM on Jan 17th 2007 by Why can't we all get along

50. They need to pipe down he was just joking.

Posted at 8:25PM on Jan 17th 2007 by belbivdevoerox

51. And why are you all so quick to use the "if he had called him a n***" defense...??? So, you justify your own hatred by using a more offensive term? And what the hell was TR doing in the closet anyway? EVERYONE on set already knew he was gay, blogs were already writing about him... WHO CARES IF HE IS! It was a verbal somewhat physical altercation between two straight males. Get over it!

Posted at 10:05PM on Jan 17th 2007 by Patrice

52. This guy is the worst kind of bigot/racist. Forty years ago.....

Posted at 8:41PM on Jan 17th 2007 by Kyle

53. The guy should be FIRED, as those who are intelligent keep saying if he was called the N****R by another castmate, that person would have been fired, no doubt about it. A gay person deserves the same respect in the workplace and I wish everywhere in this world. And no I am not gay, but I think it is wrong to hate and fear others just because you don't understand their way of life.

Posted at 8:52PM on Jan 17th 2007 by Bryant

54. This may not affect Mr. Washington in the present. However down the road he maybe by passed for other roles. Remember this is a very gay industry. He isn't all that established. I never saw him before this so he may have killed what little career he had. He does need to seek help to overcome his own sexual demons.

Posted at 9:03PM on Jan 17th 2007 by DWM

55. I believe the incident went
reporter: DId you call T.R. a faggot?

Isiah: No, I did not call T.R. a faggot?

So why the hell is no one pissed with the reporter for using the "word?"
He just answered her question, It wasnt like he just got up on stage and started shouting hey theres faggot, faggot, faggot! This whole situation is ridiculous just like the word nigger it should be allowed to be used by those who chose too. I thought we had freedom of speech in this country??

Posted at 9:19PM on Jan 17th 2007 by jersey

56. Give the "brother" a break!

Posted at 9:24PM on Jan 17th 2007 by sthoover

57. SHONDA RHIMES and Isaiah Washington should both be fired. I dont' care that she's the creator/producer, someone should organize a coup. Why did she let him stay so long? Why isn't he fired? They are both HOMOPHOBES!

Those self-hating Pansies at GLAAD DO NOT SPEAK FOR ME!
I'm Here, I'm Queer and I'm Proud!

Sit down with our abusers? WTF?!

Posted at 11:55PM on Jan 17th 2007 by spencer

58. Really dude, what's the point of denying it when SO many of the people on the set HEARD you say it? It just makes it all the worse! Own up to it, apologize & don't keep lying.

Posted at 9:55PM on Jan 17th 2007 by DennyDuquette

59. I agree with #55. And wow, some of you have issues. I would seek help.

Boo hoo, he was called a fag. No one made him come out. He found an excuse to come out and used someone calling him a name as a crutch. Was it wrong? Yes. It it that big of a deal? No. Let the two of them deal with it.

Posted at 10:25PM on Jan 17th 2007 by AD Jones

60. I am so sick of the liberal bastards in this country, i could care less if he called some fag a fag, there are more important things in life. So what if your here and your queer, shut the hell up, no one needs to know your gay just act. Why do you need to come out and say it for? Oh boo hoo, his feelings were hurt, your a faggot so get over it!!!! I want to have a straight pride day. Why can't we have that?

Posted at 10:45PM on Jan 17th 2007 by brooke

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