"Grey's" Creator: Isaiah Insulted Everyone

Posted Jan 24th 2007 2:49PM by TMZ Staff

Isaiah WashingtonMoments after reports circulated that Isaiah Washington went into therapy, "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shondra Rhimes weighed in with a statement which sounds like she's hedging her bets on her embattled star:

"I speak for all the executive producers here at 'Grey's Anatomy' when I say that Isaiah Washington's use of such a disturbing word was a shocking and dismaying event that insulted not only gays and lesbians everywhere but anyone who has ever struggled for respect in a world that is not always accepting of difference ... We applaud and encourage Isaiah's realization that he needs help and his subsequent choice to seek immediate treatment for his behavioral issues."

What Rhimes didn't mention, was whether Washington would be fired or not. TMZ spies in high places in the production of "Grey's Anatomy" say Washington's fate will be determined by ratings, not moral outrage -- namely, whether his presence helps or hurts the show.

Filed under: TV

Comments [196]
Digg itDel.icio.usMy YahooSphereRSSMySpace

Reader Comments

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

1. I find it interesting how Shondra says it was "shocking" yet in that video of him saying it, she's actually laughing right after he utters it.

Posted at 3:06PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Mike

2. While I don't think he should be fired for using that word, there could eventually be a backlash over his actions/words; causing the ratings to drop and for that he could be fired. Either way, the guy just shouldn't open his mouth. Then again, he's my meal ticket.

24 should have won over this piece of crap show.

Posted at 3:08PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Isaiah's Lawyer

3. Is this the new trend now with these mouthy celebs, just check into rehab and that will make everything alright?? Any sign of trouble because of their actions and they go into rehab, what a crock of crap. IT'S NOT WORKING!!! Let's see if Rachel Ray goes to rehab because of her supposed racial remark about Oprah!
Can't we all just get along????

Posted at 3:08PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Freakhater

4. Fire his ass. The bigot.

Posted at 3:09PM on Jan 24th 2007 by sjas

5. rehab for what?

Posted at 3:11PM on Jan 24th 2007 by likeicare

6.
Isaiah Has messed up big time.So he has to pay for all this negative attention he has brought on himself.When it comes to the show I hope they don't fire him the story line is way to stong for him to go.They better have something good up their seleves if they decided to can him.Isaiah what goes up must come down.

Posted at 3:11PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Geegee

7. OMG...now there is a treatment center for people who use the term 'faggot'...give me a friggin break

Posted at 3:22PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Mia

8. Whats he in rehab for???You can't change a persons personality, what ,so after 30 days he won't be a smug,arrogant,mean,angry asshole???

Posted at 3:23PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Jennifer

9. I can't stand this ignorant jerk. And what makes it even more interesting is that he is black. It's ok for the blacks to cry when supposed racial slurs are made, but they are able to go around saying what they want about people.
This guy should be replaced. His character on Grey's sucks anyhow. He's an arrogant buttwad.

Posted at 3:23PM on Jan 24th 2007 by White Bread

10. Geegee:
His story line can still go on. He is not irreplaceable.
There's plenty of black actors that could take his place.

Posted at 3:28PM on Jan 24th 2007 by White Bread

11. So, if you're an a-hole, check into rehab? I didn't know they had rehabs for bigotry?

Posted at 3:29PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Kara G

12. How wonderful that I am still able to learn something new everyday. Today I learned that there are rehab centers dealing with racism. Who knew?

Posted at 3:29PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Wendy

13. Rehab? I wasn't aware they had Racial Rehab. What's next ? When you call someone stupid, they send you to Manner Rehab? Is there a 12 step program for it? Is there going to be a rehab every time a celebrity says or does something dumb? There won't be any celebrities left in Hollywood!

Posted at 3:31PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Michele

14. "Hidden Palms" on the new CW

Posted at 3:32PM on Jan 24th 2007 by I went to Hollywood and got a DUI!!!

15. A celebrity says something incredibly stupid and then all the sudden they check into rehab. Who's buying this BS? Defintely not me.

Posted at 3:33PM on Jan 24th 2007 by John

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

Hot Tips