"Grey's" Creator: Isaiah Insulted Everyone

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.

Tags: grey's anatomy, Grey'sAnatomy, isaiah washington, IsaiahWashington

Reader Comments

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16. 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

17. 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

18. "Hidden Palms" on the new CW

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

19. 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

20. I cannot believe that these people can be so PC & fake. I don't know one person who used the word "fag" or "faggot" in a derogatory way at some point in time (not necessarily used to insult a known gay). Lets all stop pretending to be so damn saintly. Isaiah is an asshole. So fucking what. I cannot believe anyone really gives a shit. Maybe people just enjoy driving this poor guy into the ground. If i was him, I would tell you all to kiss my black ass and go get laid. Or maybe go to church, whatever makes you feel better.

Posted at 7:04PM on Jan 24th 2007 by oh shit

21. Shondra,
Why dont you run your show? You are the Producer! If a white performer on your show had said the N word you would have flipped your weave! This long, drawn out affair shows you as a spineless weak executive. No wonder women execs are the laughing stock and end up in TV. This is outrageous. Fire him, reshoot, rewrite and get on it... a month ago. Step up! What kind of exec are you? A weak one. This will hurt your career most. Watch!

Posted at 3:34PM on Jan 24th 2007 by patty cake

22. Yeah, the rehab thing is excessive. Sounds like ABC is giving him a chance. But it would be easier if he "quit" the show so we can all move on.

Posted at 4:28PM on Jan 24th 2007 by stan

23. What's with all this rehab bullshit? GOP Congressman Foley hits on underage pages and he goes to rehab. Miss USA is a big ol' ho bag and she goes to rehab.

Now this?

Rehab my ass.

Posted at 3:37PM on Jan 24th 2007 by RonnyK

24. I don't know why this is an issue- one is homosexual and the other is black. I'm sure the homosexual will go out and buy himself a new dress to feel better and as for the black-well can he even be held accountable? He used a three letter word-I sure it was beyond his scope.

Posted at 3:43PM on Jan 24th 2007 by david

25. Looks like Mr Washington has got himself in quite a lot of trouble lately. Even though I'm a gay man myself, I do think this is getting to be old news and tired as well. I'm not really sure how I feel about the man at this point. One part of me wants his ass fired and the other part is saying, hey, don't take this so seriously. We ( Gay People ) have been fighting ther hate and bigotry battle for hundreds if not thousands of years. This ain't nothin' new here. So, I'm basically feeling that I'm at the point of "let it go". The only thing I'm really disturbed about is that the F-word is used constantly to describe any number of people, places and things. To us, it's the same as the N word is to black people. It can be quite offensive to have to hear it directed toward yourself. I'm really used to it by now, unfortunately, which just seems so wrong, but what can I do about it? Not much I'm afraid. And just watch, within the next couple posts, someone is going to call me the F-word for stating my opinion and thoughts here or because they are homophobic and "hate" gays. As if we can help who we are. I didn't ask to be born this way, but I am and I accept that. Not a problem. On another subject, why is it that REHAB is the ultimate answer to everything these days when a celeb screws up or whatever. The reps for these people are constantly saying " well, he/she is checking into rehad to address his/her problems, as if that is going to help with someone who is biggoted and obviously has insecurity problems. Sounds more like major therapy is in order. Rehab? I don't think so. Just a convenient excuse for child molesters and any other criminal or just plain dumbass these days. Whats up with that? REHAB????? Oh well.....what the f*** ever. I'd rather the whole thing was just addressed by the cast and crew and producers and be done with it, what ever their decision turns out to be. *Gag*..okay, I've had my say on this. I'm over it. Cheers All! - The Duke

Posted at 3:38PM on Jan 24th 2007 by The Duke

26. As a twelve-step recoverer, there is no 'rehab' for people who say stupid things. All these celebrities going to 'rehab' are just trying to rehabilitate their careers after stupid behavior. (I.El Lindsey Lohan, Mel Gibson, Michale Richards, et all. All these so-called celebrities are giving the 12-step program and recoverers everywhere, shame. Quit it' and just admit you aren't too smart, even though whatever you're career is you obviously have a talent. But most people will turn against these celebrities because they are such stupid abusers.

Posted at 3:40PM on Jan 24th 2007 by lori taylor

27. I am tired of these celebrities thinking that they are above everybody else. They are no better than the rest of us, and should be held accountable for their actions.
Rehab, rehab, rehab, they all go to rehab. Who cares, he obviously has a problem and doesn't think it's wrong to voice his opinion while hurting others.
I for one LOVE the show, but I have to be honest, I am thinking twice about whether or not I want to continue to watch it. My feeling is that they should get rid of him!!

Posted at 3:42PM on Jan 24th 2007 by cindy

28. Maybe T.R. should go to rehad since he likes to put penis in his mouth. Thats more sick and twisted than any words you can say. Think about it, a man with a penis in his mouth or butt - come on.....what is the real problem here.

Posted at 3:42PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Dan

29. It's obvious by the tape that Shondra's laugh is a nervous one. You can tell the comment made her uneasy...and its an awkward situation, give her a break! Everyone should be upset by what he said, it was rude, uncalled for.

...as far as firing him...thats a toughy. I know that I'll still watch Grey's no matter what, but I def have lost respect for him as a person and I think about his actions every time his face pops up on screen.

Posted at 5:01PM on Jan 29th 2007 by Cassie

30. Well, i certainly don't agree with what he said or when he chose to blurt out that offensive word, but I think he has learned his lesson and we should all drop it. I'd like to think that regadless of your celebrity status - you would just know better.

Posted at 4:34PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Nic Patt

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