ABC Suffers From Promophobia

Posted May 8th 2008 3:05PM by TMZ Staff

ABC had no problem throwing Isaiah Washington under the bus when "Grey's Anatomy" was doing big ratings -- and they have no problem using him in promos now that the show is in a ratings freefall.

Promos for this week's episode feature Isaiah's mug -- and his character is even part of the storyline this week. One problem -- he ain't in it! Isaiah is actually down in New Orleans shooting a new movie with Forest Whitaker.

We're told Isaiah is pissed at the show for using his pic, after they 86'd him from the show because of that whole despicable "faggot" thing.

Isaiah's rep, Howard Bragman, tells TMZ, "Isaiah has no plans to go back to 'Grey's Anatomy' ... That being said, we were more than a little surprised that ABC used his likeness in a promo for the show, and indeed advanced his character's storyline. Mr. Washington's attorney has contacted the Screen Actors Guild and ABC as to the appropriateness of that action."

A rep for ABC could not be reached for comment.

Filed under: TV

Comments [53]

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

Reader Comments

(Page 4 of 4)Previous 15 Comments

46. I still watch Grey''s and think it's a great show. Washington's problem was that he got the big head and thought he was a real world-renowned heart surgeon. His actions were just stupid and he deserved to be fired.

Love the show!

Posted at 4:34PM on May 9th 2008 by Glad He's Gone

47. Isaiah helped make the show big time. This is what happens when the world starts supporting someone like that little gay dude and his little feelings that were hurt because someone called him something he didn't like. Men with men? Women with women? God ain't gonna have it. The world will never succeed where the Lord is not king. Isaiah should be a lil vexed but not too much, now he can watch the (fake) morality ship burn and sink.

Posted at 7:31PM on May 9th 2008 by Dash

48. Oh please, Isaiah Washington got exactly what was coming to him. For years, there have been reports of anger, flirting, arguing on sets he's been working on. And think about it, if he said nothing to T.R. Knight, then why go to the trouble at the Golden Globes of reacting at such an inappropriate moment? What point could that serve? Unlike many other African American starts like Denzel Washington, Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and Eriq La Salle, Isaiah has consistently driven the stake into his own career. Why hasn't he had more movie offers? If he's a good actor, it must be something else. TMZ reports that he's shooting a film in Louisiana, but it's a small independent film and he's hardly the lead.
This guy has a host of problems that are not going to be solved by others saying it's a race thing or saying he's being picked up. Look at TMZ, stars do dumb things everyday, Isaiah just seems to do more than his share. And finally, if he wants to put Grey's Anatomy in the rearview mirror, why keep talking about it. Who cares what they do with an old photo? Honestly, if he'd keep his trip shut and just worked, he'd still be there, making a fortune.

Posted at 7:55PM on May 9th 2008 by jackie

49. If they did wrong, they'll pay. Hopefully it will keep Isaiah Washington quiet. I don't really think he needs to speak further. Period. Go back to being a journey man actor, and not a celebutard.

Posted at 11:44PM on May 9th 2008 by Nittfox

50. I stopped watching the show the moment that they made a big deal out of this. Some people watched the show just because of a particular character. I happened to enjoy Isaiah and could not be a loyal viewer after they threw him out the way they did. I am so glad that McDreamy. McSteamy, Iggy, and all the other Grey's Anatomy cast realize that the viewers have a say at their jobs. I hope the cast member that did not stand up for Isaiah feel the pinch when they have to look for another job. The show was so sure that they could afford to loose him and the laugh is on them.

Posted at 7:29PM on May 11th 2008 by Krisee3113AL

51. HOW DARE THEM!! i saw this episode and i was like Happy thinking ISIAH was coming BACK!! but that is how ABC planned it.. And then they have two men Kissing in this same Episode!!! i WIll never watch this show again they got rid of the wrong person the other guy i wont say his name but he DOES NOTHIN for this SHOW at all.... ABC is having alot of Shows now with same sex sceens...? WHY SO MUCH? WHY? i watch more Dvds now instead of tv.

Posted at 10:08AM on May 12th 2008 by marla

52. I am one of the three people who still watch this show. At this point it's just out of routine for me, so I do agree that it's been sucking lately.

I thought last nights episode featuring "Dr. Burke" was HILARIOUS! and a HUGE JAB at Isaiah having his picture featured on an episode with the main story line being about two gay guys and the hint at a lesbian affair going on. STAB, STAB, JAB, JAB!!

Posted at 7:55AM on May 15th 2008 by Harlow M.

53. Grey's and everyone else have lower ratings because of the strike, GA is still leading in the 18-49 demographic, which brings the highest ad rates. Shonda Rhimes not IW is another cause of lower ratings, the scripts were hideous and she is now undergoing an epiphany now that tptb and fans are on her case, even Dempsey and Pompeo were complaining about the story arcs and direction of the show. ABC did not leak the original story as several have stated, it was the National Enquirer, SR and ABC tried to keep it in house even after his GG fiasco and riduculous media rant blaming everyone connected with the show except his own sorry self. He obviously is a great believer in "there is no bad publicity" and this latest ploy is yet another example of what an arrogant, egotistical media whore he really is. His firing was not just about the slur, it was about his history of hot temper and bad behavior on this and other sets

Posted at 10:57AM on May 21st 2008 by Lulu

Previous 15 Comments

Add your comments

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry.
Inappropriate or purely promotional comments may be removed. E-mail addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Your e-mail address is what makes your comments unique, not your user name. To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or e-mail address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to three URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted -- no need to use <p> or <br> tags.