ABC "Greatly Dismayed" by Isaiah's Outburst

Posted Jan 18th 2007 4:46PM by TMZ Staff

ABC has gotten around to responding to Isaiah Washington's use of a gay slur at the Golden Globes, and, no, they're not at all happy about it.

The ABC statement, first reported by TV Guide's Michael Ausiello, reads, "We have a long standing policy to create and maintain respectful workplaces for all our employees. We dealt with the original situation in October, and thought the issue resolved. Therefore, we are greatly dismayed that Mr. Washington chose to use such inappropriate language at the Golden Globes, that he himself deemed 'unfortunate' in his previous public apology. We take this situation very seriously, and his actions are unacceptable and are being addressed."

Washington said he had "never" called gay castmate T.R. Knight "a faggot" after Monday's Golden Globes. Knight told Ellen DeGeneres that he had, in fact, heard Washington use the term during a scuffle with Patrick Dempsey on the set of "Grey's Anatomy."

It is unclear when the network will make a decision on Washington's future on the show.

Filed under: TV, Celebrity Feuds

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(Page 3 of 7)Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

31. Gisele,
I have no prob. w/calling black people black. BUT some black people rather be called African-american instead of black. And how do I know this u might ask??...well, cause my BROTHER N LAW IS BLACK.! And he even says they same thing. It depends on the person!. So pls., don't speak for ALL black people.

Posted at 6:06PM on Jan 18th 2007 by Little Wings NYC

32. Some of you seem to be missing this entirely.

It was supposedly dealt with when it happened. But someone interviewed the cast backstage at the Golden Globes,and that someone asked about it...bringing it up...and Isaiah chimed in, "I never called him..." Therefore, ISAIAH brought up again. So not only was the person who initially said it...not the gay man...bringing it up again, but then he lied and said he never said it, when there were witnesses to him saying it.

How do you apologize for saying something, then bring it up again, then deny saying it (so much for an apology...kinda makes THAT moot, eh?)...and somehow it becomes the OTHER person's fault?

Posted at 6:09PM on Jan 18th 2007 by Michele

33. Well his comments were not appropriate and not politically correct- however- I do believe his comments fall under FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!!! Get over it- who cares! a ducks a duck and a ..........

Posted at 6:13PM on Jan 18th 2007 by tara

34. FROM NOW ON CALL ME GERMAN_AMERICAN DAMMIT!!!

Posted at 6:14PM on Jan 18th 2007 by MR

35. yes everyday someone is called something, but doesn't that make everyone who stands idlely by no better than the prejudice name caller?

people who have patience for racism against anyone whether it stems from the color of a person's skin to their sexual orientation are the same people that would walk by a dying man, because someone else will assist and their time is too precious.

what a world . . .nothing has changed and that isn't acceptable to me.

Posted at 6:22PM on Jan 18th 2007 by kd

36. It's because of people like you, Jenny, that the US is such a sad place to live in.

Go step in traffic already.

Posted at 6:26PM on Jan 18th 2007 by Zero von Rotten

37. SO NOW CALLING SOMEONE A N**GER IS THE SAME AS CALLING SOMEONE GAY DAMN PEOPLE ARE SOOOOO STUPID. If he wanted to throw back insults he could of called him ugly fat or anything else for that matter but why N*GGER so you see that my colored folks being black is the equvilant to being gay well atleast in white peoples eyes

Posted at 6:30PM on Jan 18th 2007 by Im just saying!

38. For jenny Jen and Lauren

You are as ignorant as Washington.

And as for little wing, My color is Black and my nationality is African American. I can't speak for all black people but MOST of us would like to be called BLACK. Like most of you would be called WHITE. right? I don't know what your BROTHER IN LAW wants to be called but if he is a african American he is BLACK

Posted at 6:34PM on Jan 18th 2007 by Gisele

39. To #8

You are so close minded and judgmental!!!!! It just makes me want to bitch slap you!! I know "men" (using the term loosely here) like you that give humanity a bad name.

I dated a homophobic racist like you. Its embarrasing to be around you when you spew your hateful crap. I'm sure you're single!!!!!!! And if not WTF is she thinking?!!!!!!!!!!

I think Washington should not get canned, but he should to do community service hours for GLAAD to prove to the public he isn't an a**whole. If he repeats his behavior THEN can him, or we won't watch the show until he is.

Posted at 6:35PM on Jan 18th 2007 by Straight Woman

40. chill out people...he is only a nugga

Posted at 6:36PM on Jan 18th 2007 by d - man

41. His actions are NO DIFFERENT than those of MIchael Richards, who will never work in Hollywood again.

Folks, we can't pick and choose which minorities can be called vile names and which ones can't.

Fire the asshole!

Posted at 6:45PM on Jan 18th 2007 by Not Fond of Double Standards

42. I love the character of Burke and wish washington had not said what he did at the golden globes. But,the media brought it up by asking him the question in the press room. None the less,he should just button it. He really needs to do something to apologize publicly now because he has caused more hard feelings. TK Knight seems like such a gentle soul and this has really hurt him. i hope it doesn't hurt the show.

Posted at 6:48PM on Jan 18th 2007 by a walters

43. let the jerk biggott die from his precious hand surgery...would be a great storyline after he accused mcdreamy after the first surgery...

Posted at 6:51PM on Jan 18th 2007 by judy schwartz

44. I don't understand why black people are called "African American" this should only be used if you are/were born in Africa and then moved to America and became a citizen. I am black, and an American of African decent. Nobody says white people are European Americans when describing someone who is white...

Now to the topic at hand... I personally feel his comments were inappropriate to say the least, but why can't Isaiah's comments be wrong because they are hurtful and bigoted, it shouldn't matter that he is a black man. What does his race have to do with his nasty comments? He didn't say T.R. Knight was a mutha F'n gay a$$ cracker .. Then he would have been using racial and homophobic slurs, if that were the case i could understand Mr. Washington's race being brought into this discussion. That being said his black a$$ needs to apologize...

Coming from a black woman...

Posted at 6:54PM on Jan 18th 2007 by Celebrity Status...Unknown

45. I think that T.R. Knight is acting to soft, Isaiah Washington needs to apologize and they both need to move on. I love Grey's Anatomy, but I will not watch it if Isaiah gets fired.

Posted at 6:56PM on Jan 18th 2007 by allison

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