Isiah Washington Leaving Grey's Anatomy

We would lie if we said we didn’t see this one coming. After a controversial season,actor Isaiah Washington will leaving ABC’s hit show “Grey's Anatomy”.

There was speculation that Isiah would be dropped from the show after he got into a altercation with Patrick Dempsey, during which he allegedly referred to cast mate T.R. Knight with a homophobic slur. But Isiah took the Young Hollywood route and entered rehab to deal with his "problem". Seems like rehab only works for people who have no real jobs because Isiah is dunzo.

If you watch the show, you probably noticed how he was cut when his character Dr. Preston Burke broke up with his fiancée, Christina Yang (Sandra Oh), and moved out of their apartment.

Washington’s publicist Howard Bragman, says the actors option was not renewed, and released this statement from the actor: "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more."

Isiah had become a huge liability for ABC and they didn’t want to deal with him anymore. What do all you “Grey’s” fanatics t hink, was it unfair to drop Isiah?

[ Image by Splash News ]


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Oh reeeeeeeely?

Umm, not to encourage any type of bigotry here but FIRED??? Has anyone in the history of hollywood ever gotten fired for muttering the "n" word or variations of it, "jew" comments, latino slurs...? I hope there is more to this than there appears to be, because now it seems to project a whole realm of discrimination - selective punishment.

Posted 1 year 4 months ago

Marilyn

um.... yea... NO... i mean yea it was DUCKED up what he said but c'mon to get fired is so crazy... Now everyone is going to hate him bc he made a mistake ... i know 3 strikes and your out but damn this was harsh.. I guess he should start by getting a real job bc no one will hire him to act anymore... He was wrong but the ensamble of the cast was amazing and he was part of that..

Cece

I am so crushed that Dr. Burke is not returning to the show. I think this season was his best on screen personally. He was absolutely fantastic and he portrayed his part just so well. It is very unfortunate that his temper on set and his "liability" has forced ABC to not renew with him. I remember seeing him on Oprah just when Greys was getting popular and he was just so grateful for getting that job and was so happy that he was finally going to be portraying a professional rather than a gang member because of his color. He did not come off as someone that would intentionally make someone else feel uncomfortable because of their race/color. I personally think that he just might have really made a mistake with his homophobic slurs. Some people have a loose mouth and don't really mean what they say. I know that happens to me sometimes. I think ABC shouldn't have just fired him because of that mistake. They could have really tried to make the cast become closer with eachother and showed that people can move on. They should have tried to make something positive out of this rather then just letting it be and then firing him in June. This problem happened in 2006 and they are just making their decision now? If anything I think ABC here is to blaim and they should have been the ones to do different.

Christine

I'm not sure what he acted like on the set, but on screen he portrayed PURE CLASS!!! I may not agree with his beliefs....non of my business but, I would hate to think that my right to FREEDOM OF SPEECH would get me fired from my job. I won't be watching without him!!

Mr. Unite Us

I agree with oh reeeely. Their is a double standard in Hollywood, other slurs on and off camera seem to be accepted and promoted. Yes it was wrong to fire Isaiah Washington and wrong the way they fired him. First Washington didn't call Knight a faggot. He was arguing with with Dempsey and said "I'm not your faggot." Knight overhead this and ASSumed Washington called him faggot. Note to Hollywood Scoop, conisdering the homosexual nature of this topic sure want to make reference to the rectum.

miss thang

firing him was crazy. like oh really said, double standards.

Dana

This is nuts. He bends over backwards doing more than enough apologizing and even filming that PSA and now ABC fires him after so many months. They should have fired him in January instead of doing this. I'll never watch the show again, he was the only reason why I watched it.

what have we become??

I also feel this season was Washington's strongest performance yet, I really enjoyed watching the growth of his character. I think ABC is making a huge mistake firing him and I would encourfage gthem to re-think their decision. The show will not be the same without him, he IS one of my favorite characters.

Susan

The show has tanked this past season and it has little to do with cast strife as much as it has to do with horrible writing and terrible production decisions (SR should be the one in the hot seat). What IW said was bad, there is no bones about that, but should he be fired? I personally don't think so-- not yet. The reason the local radio show reported was because he hadn't changed his image "enough". He can't take back the awful things he has said and there will be peope who will always hold it against him. No shock there. On screen, he was a huge asset for whatever jerk his may or may not be on camera. This can only further hurt the show, which has gone hugely down the tubes. The ONLY thing it has going for it coming out of this craptacular season is it's cast and not much else. It's a HUGE shame that all involved didn't realize the great thing they had going, and avoided opening their mouths or messing with a winning formula. The show hasn't been watchable for many months. This further seals it's fate.

Amber

Although I am not fur any type of racial slur under any circumstances, I do feel people make mistakes and should be given second chances. I think he really did try to make things right. However, how does anyone know how the other parties involved in the incidents were acting (even though no homophobic slurs should ever be said) and what caused him to do it in the first place - I think we have all been really fired up and did and said things we later regreted and never meant in the first place. I think he is wonderful on the show, actually one of the best and it's a shame that ABD dropped him.

jafar

what he did was wrong, they should fired him when the incident happened if they wanted too. they dragged this crap on for too long. Preston is one of the est characters and the show wont be the same. I cant believe he was fired, he did apologise...

April

I agree w/ Susan. Although I loved watching 'Grey's' for the first two seasons, this last season was so horrible that I stopped watching all together. The reason people kept tuning in probably had a lot to do with the constant buzz surrounding the cast members, not the writing. I don't know what will help this show but I don't think I'll be around next season to see. I think a lot of the stars of this show have gotten big heads since shooting to fame due to the success of this show. Making offensive statements, cast-mates commenting on what others have said, it's all too much. Just do your job! People just want to see good Television. Save all the outside drama for your mama . . .

cindy

I agree with everyone else who said that if he was to be fired, why didn't it happen right after the incident. He has done more than apologize and I also do not feel that he should have been fired. I just hope that ABC sees these comments and re-thinks its decision.

David

I don't think he was fired for simply the name calling. His violent behaviour was probably more responsible for the firing. No one here has mentioned the fact that he he shoved Dempsey up against a wall and began choking him around the neck. And T.R. didn't just assume that Washington was referring to him when using the slur. Washington said to Dempsey, "I am not your **** like T.R." And...Washington has a history of anger problems. He was fired from the 1997 shoow "High Incident" when he lost his temper and physically assaulted a crew member. It was serious enough that the police were called in and Washington was fired on the spot. On the set of "Soul Kiss" Washington verbally attacked an actress and then unleashed his anger on the director and executive producer who came to her defense. He has now been fired from two series because of inability to control his anger. This guy clearly has issues and the show felt he was a liability.

Bad Bad Move

How many times must he say he's sorry. I enjoyed all the characters as a whole. I also agree that the writing for this last season was terrible. But under the circumstances I will not watch Greys' again. New shows come on every week. Good luck Isaiah.

Sorry, my above responce should have read "Soul Food" not "Soul Kiss."

How many times must he say he's sorry? I agree that the last season was terrible. I enjoyed the cast as a whole. They all completed one another. I sure hope no one else makes a mistake, especially catherine (whatever her name is)I'd throw her to the wolves. New shows come on everyweek. I will not watch Grey's again. Good luck Isaiah.

dee

i know. there should have fired him when it actually happened...preston burke was one of the best characters in the whole thing.. he was a great balance to the ridiculousness that was derek and meredith and their relationship... its a shame he wont be back.. i have to say my interest now has been dampned a bit.. dont know if i would be that interested in grey's anymore.. i mean he made me tune in this season to see what happened to him.. oh well.. at least heroes is still onxx

Renee

ABC, you let rosie rave and rant for months--isaiah made a mistake that he's admitted to, paid for, and shut up about, but you fire him--I SMELL A BIG NASTY RACIST RAT!!! I'M THROUGH WITH ABC--THROUGH!!!

kaye

I agree! I'm not partaking in Grey's I'm done! and the ratings will slowly go down! The show won't be the same. Granted, what he said may have been inappropriate but not enough to get fired. He's apologized over and over, seeked anger management. He tried to rectify his mistakes and no one had his back especially the creator of the show, an African American woman. Big disappointment for the minority community! I doubt Isaiah is homophobic! This is crazy...I'm done with the show! America was based on crime and hate, we all have said defaming words when we are angry. I believe that being gay is not the same plight as being a minority. So I disagree with the comparison, and I am an african american woman!

Shawanna

I am upset about what has happened because they lead us to believe everything was ok and the show will go on. Now, everything has changed. Burke is a very very important person in this show. I love all the cast, except Izzie she is getting on my nerves (the character)and I think they could have work this out. We were told no one was going to get fired behind that so this means the loyal Grey's Anatomy fans was lied too. Will I continue watching the show....I don't know because Dr. Burke and Christina was one of my highlights. I loved his role and to know he won't be there next season does not spark any excitement whatsoever.....

Mishy

I am a bit disturbed behind the decision to get rid of Isaiah. He was Burke. He made that man who also helped make the show! I want him back!and it's not because he's black (as many commentators said on the ABC site), it's because he's good! He played the mess out of this role! ABC better know that he did, but I don't think he should be allowed to act a fool if this was truely the case.

Jacquie

When I heard the news about Dr. Burke being fired, I was sick to my stomach and still is. ABC and Grey's you are making a big mistake! There is no other actor who could portray this role of Dr. Burke. Isiah Washington is a great actor. Dr. Burke and Christina had good chemisty together. It was magical. Shonda! please rethink this and fight for Isiah's return. I know you can't possibly want to to happen! Everyone say things at one point or another that should not have been said. To my understanding this incident occured on the set between another fellow actor and someone leaked it to the public. Isiah did what was required of him to correct this situation. Please stop the madness ABC! enough is enough. Give this man back his job/life. I really enjoy watching all of the characters on Grey's, However, Dr.Burke had the (IT Factor) for me. I can't imagine watching the series this fall without him. Regretfully....a very disapointed fan (maybe X-fan) of Grey's Anatomy

He Had It Coming

Hey, anyone remember Imus? Got fired for racial slurs against, let me see. . .could it be black people? This firing is a historical FIRST. Blacks are now going to be held to the same accountability standards as whites. No longer will they be able to hide behind their color and the whole "my people were slaves and you owe me garbage". IT'S ABOUT TIME! Everyone equal.

pissedoff

ok, so I would like to start off by saying to the Jacquie person that you are way off. Those are two completly different things that you are comparing. Anyway, Isaiah Washington was a great actor that did his job, and did it well. He made a mistake (even though I don't agree with what he did), but I thought he made up for it in effort and apologies. If ABC really wanted to fire him, they should have done so when it happened the second time. I am a huge Grey's fan, and was disappointed when I heard of the news, but will I stop watching the show, probably not. So, to answer the question, I would haveto say that I strongly disagree with the descision, and that there are other way's ABC could have punished him.

Sorry, my apologies, I meant to say that I agree with the Jacquie, and disagree with the "He had it Coming" person

dgregory

Washington was a fool to enter rehab and cut a PSA after making his remarks. Those moves will haunt him now that he's been axed. Most people believe like he does about gays but are afraid to say it and then stand behind it. Most of Hollywood is gay, so what do you expect? Maybe he'll be a man and tell us what he really thinks about homos now and not back off of it. Big deal! There are more important things going on in the world.

Zip

In regard to the use of the word "Faggot", this isn't a matter of race...as homosexuality isn't a race...its a sexual identification. Now, if Patrick Dempsey had called Katherine Heigal (spelling?) a Bitch, or the C-word, he wouldn't have been going anywhere...and we all know it. No, the issue of race that has come into this matter is solely due to the fact that a black man had a physical altercation with two white men...and was perceived to be the winner of that altercation...one which must have resulted from mutual combat, or Washington would have been arrested for the attack on Dempsey...and perhaps accused of a hate crime against TR Knight for verbal harassment. Well, that didn't happen, lending to my theory. This incident occured thanks to cast members being late to the night's scene rehearsal, and resulting shoot. Washington blasted those who were late, who were not present at the time, to which, Dempsey responded in turn, by heatedly defending them--thus, resulting in the now infamous altercation. TR Knight's involvement came in the form of a sideways insult directed at Dempsey, by Washington...in reference to Knight, when TR came to Dempsey's aid. Now, the fact is...most of the cast was responsible for generating the incident, directly, and indirectly. For his part, Dempsey had been throwing his weight around the set...and arrogantly snubbing fellow cast members, and or, being short with them. Among those people was Washington. TR Knight was said to be Dempsey's on-set yes man...hence the mounting tension. The pot was boiling all along, and getting hotter, until it finally boiled over. Katherine Heigal (spelling?), a close pal of TR, has been openly fanning the flames ever since!!! As I have said, here, before...they have all been acting like divas on the set...and that ultimately contributed to the situation which unfolded!!! Since that time, cast members have been isolating, and attacking the girl who got the spin-off series...simply because she got the series, and they didn't, according to press reports. In terms of the original fight, no one else...other than Washington has been forced to take their fair share of the blame...whatever that may be. It's convenient to blame the black guy...everybody does that in our society...but who will they blame when he is gone???!!!

Jean

I THINK THIS IS THE MOST STUPID THING THEY COULD HAVE DONE, WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW, LETTING EVERYBODY WHO THINKS HE HAS AN AXE TO GRIND TELL NETWORKS WHO OR WHO NOT TO LET WORK FOR THEM. I WON'T BE WATCHING IT ANYMORE, IT WAS ONE OF THE MORE INTERESTING RELATIONSHIPS ON THE PROGRAM. THEY'VE MADE A BIG MISTAKE. WASHINGTON WAS A VERY GIFTED ACTOR AND HIS CARACTER WAS VERY SOFISTICATED, I ENJOYED HIS ACTING VERY MUCH.

Clint

Another classic example of "The loudest voices for tolerance are the most intolerant people" mantra that now rules society w/an iron fist.

gina ristic

I disagree with the decision that ABC has made. Isiah Washington was a very important character on Grey's Anatomy, he brought to the show, charisma, class, and heart. He made a mistake that he tried to rectify. If we were all fired at our jobs for mistakes the unemployment line would be never ending! Huge mistake on ABC's part. I know it might not seem like a big deal now, but Grey's will lose many viewers!

WAKE UP!!!!

Come on people!!! The guy clearly needed to go. Despite the remark he made about his fellow cast member,(which can be forgiven),he physically assaulted another one. If your co-worker stationed across the cubicle from yourself was to choke you or someone else on the staff, you would be screaming " CRUCIFY HIM!!!" Try to keep some perspective here and realize abc mad the only rational choice. Yes, they may lose some viewers, but will gain the same amount or more

KAREN

OH .... i DON'T THINK THEY WILL GAIN ANY VIEWERS , IT'S FUNNY THAT ALL THE PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO " WILL NOT BE TUNING BACK IN " LOSING BURKE WOULD BE LIKE LOSING DERRICK !!! HIS AND CRISTINA'S RELATIONSHIP WAS 1 OF THE MAIN ONES !!! HE IS SO CLASSY **** I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE BIG DEAL IS ... ALL I KNOW IS I SO LOOKED FORWARD TO THIS SHOW IN THE FALL THKS SO MUCH ABC FOR RUINING A GREAT THING ** WAY TO GO !!!

boofer

Man, what happened to freedom or speech. I guess it works for some and not for others. He should have not been fired! Everyone does dumb things but that was extreme. Give the guy a break!

judy

<> Holler at you Jean, beautifully said.. I wonder how long this minority hypocrisy in our society will be allowed to continue? How long will these double standards last? As Dgregory truthfully pointed out, calling a female a b*tch, a C-- or any other slur is fine but the minority slurs are worth being fired? Where is this tolerance when you need it from those asking for tolerance? It's a bunch of fake crap, hypocrisy at its best and know what? It's sickening, it stinks!! We need to wake up and smell the coffee as a society and put our foot down as this devalues the virtue of the act of the "apology". I don't care if someone means it or not, if they can humble themselves and apologize I can humble myself and accept it, I'm not God and neither is anyone else. Nobody is above an apology except hypocrites! I guess this teaches us not to apologize ever if we say something in anger! If anything he should of rubbed it in for good measure before leaving! Like pissedoff said, his mistake was also in apologizing. Many who agree with him would back him up now! Now he's just plain our of luck after being screwed in the rear by ABC! Well good luck Isaiah, I loved Burktina, not watching anymore! Blech..

(Another classic example of "The loudest voices for tolerance are the most intolerant people" mantra that now rules society w/an iron fist.) Holler at you Jean, beautifully said.. I wonder how long this minority hypocrisy in our society will be allowed to continue? How long will these double standards last? As Dgregory truthfully pointed out, calling a female a b*tch, a C-- or any other slur is fine but the minority slurs are worth being fired? Where is this tolerance when you need it from those asking for tolerance? It's a bunch of fake crap, hypocrisy at its best and know what? It's sickening, it stinks!! We need to wake up and smell the coffee as a society and put our foot down as this devalues the virtue of the act of the "apology". I don't care if someone means it or not, if they can humble themselves and apologize I can humble myself and accept it, I'm not God and neither is anyone else. Nobody is above an apology except hypocrites! I guess this teaches us not to apologize ever if we say something in anger! If anything he should of rubbed it in for good measure before leaving! Like pissedoff said, his mistake was also in apologizing. Many who agree with him would back him up now! Now he's just plain our of luck after being screwed in the rear by ABC! Well good luck Isaiah, I loved Burktina, not watching anymore! Blech..

I am not happy about this decision. Isaiah Washington's character was one my favorites, along with T.R. Knights. He helped make the show for me and he is an exceptional actor. I think the show will hurt for the decision and I am not sure i will continue to view it. People shouldn't say hurtful things to other people. I believe forgiving and moving on is even greater than getting back at someone. Isaiah wasn't right, but as adults we should be able to be mature and accept an apology.

Linz

YOU CAN NOT FIRE HIMMMMM HES DR. BURCH....WHATS GUNNA HAPPEN TO HIM AND CRISTINA??????????? HE CANT GO IT WILL RUIN THE WHOLE SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cena

If I choked a co-worker, I would be fired. People are focusing too much on the f-word here, because the real problem is that he actually LAID HANDS on someone else. I find it incredibly stupid that he was sent to sensitivity training but not to ANGER MANAGEMENT for assaulting someone. I'm not really happy about having his character leave the show, but given his explosive temper, I would be afraid to work with him too. I really like the Dr. Burke character because he's the only one with any real integrity on the show and is truly a good role model. It's too bad that it doesn't cross over into real life.

Crazy 4 Grey's

According to all reports this was not only over a single incident. Washington was constantly a problem and created conflict and tension among everyone on the set. They network did not choose to wait this long, they had to. By firing him they would have opened themselves up to a variety of problems including paying him for the remainder of his contract whether he was there or not, and even with this Washington is still talking about monetary reprecussions. They waited till his contract was due to be renewed and opted not to continue his employment with the show. Although he was good on-screen when he is causing problems off-screen they would have risked that those tensions would eventually bleed over and present themselves on-screen effecting the entire outlook of the show. They couldn't take that chance for one actor who was viewed, by many, as a loose cannon.

lauriegee

Very sad that the Burke character will not be returning to the show. He was a major character and this last season he became one of my favorites. If firing him was indeed the right decision as voiced but ABC then why the delay???? Demanding that he seek help, apologize and speak publicly about his error in judgement should have been enough. If ABC waited to fire him due to contract obligations then they are users. They haven't showed much tact either. Grey's will suffer because of this decision.

Posted 1 year 1 month ago

sue

I love Dr. Burke. I hate ABC!

sondrat

ABC should have fired Burke long ago instead of writing scripts that made us all fall head over heels in love with his character and then drop him. Doesn't say much...do they like Grey's fans or are they trying to drive us crazy????

bettyboop

We're sorry Isiah!!!!

dr mcdonald

replace dr burke(isiah washington) with dr remore(matt le blanc)

Posted 7 months ago


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