Multiple sources are telling me that Isaiah Washington will not be returning to Grey's Anatomy next season. An ABC Studios spokesperson confirms that the actor's contract option has not been picked up, but declined further comment.
One insider, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, speculated that the decision was likely due only in part to the T.R. Knight homophobic slur scandal and the subsequent fallout. "There was a pattern of problematic behavior going back before he used the F-word," says my spy. "I imagine [his dismissal] was the result of all of that."
Washington's rep, Howard Bragman, confirmed the news, adding that his client was informed by Grey's executive producer Shonda Rhimes earlier today that he was not being invited back to the show. In a statement, Washington, referencing the iconic line from Network, said, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore." (He's kidding... I think.)
Plot-wise, it won't be difficult to explain Washington's absence. In last month's season finale, Burke left Cristina at the altar and moved out of their apartment.
Personally, I think ABC did the right thing. As much as I'll miss Burke, Washington's behavior was inexcusable and it was tearing apart the show. But enough about me and my opinion, what do you think of ABC's decision to fire Isaiah? Sound off below...
Typical Ausiello spinning this like it was some kind of shock. Grey's is a hot show that doesn't need the bad publicity and can do without Mr. Washington.
Originally posted by tvfan300: Typical Ausiello spinning this like it was some kind of shock. Grey's is a hot show that doesn't need the bad publicity and can do without Mr. Washington.
Don't expect the 'bad publicity' to stop on Grey's Anatomy. This whole thing started with the problems of T.R. Knight not being able to show up for work on time. There is also the problems of Heigl feeling/demanding to be treated 'as an equal' with stars like Dempsey and Oh. This show will keep itself in the tabloid nes next season as well. You can count on it.
You know he was way out of line for what he said, but after going to the rehab and doing the PSA's, apologizing, not to mention, what I'm sure was a grilling from the organization he's doing the PSA's for, I think this is a bit ridiculous. He actually was one of my favorite characters, but I'm not losing any sleep over it.
Originally posted by tvfan300: Typical Ausiello spinning this like it was some kind of shock. Grey's is a hot show that doesn't need the bad publicity and can do without Mr. Washington.
Don't expect the 'bad publicity' to stop on Grey's Anatomy. This whole thing started with the problems of T.R. Knight not being able to show up for work on time. There is also the problems of Heigl feeling/demanding to be treated 'as an equal' with stars like Dempsey and Oh. This show will keep itself in the tabloid nes next season as well. You can count on it.
I agree Obveeus, and I think that only helps the ratings right now. His comments were inexcusable, but the other actors/actresses all have issues as well. I could've equally seen them letting go of Knight and or Heigl. I suppose with the influx of new interns on the show it needed to shave off a character or two.
Heigl has a little more weight behind her demands now. Whether or not you liked "Knocked Up" it has been the best reviewed movie of the summer and is doing exceptionally well. This translates into the TV world and getting more $$$. She'll probably end up with 125k/yr like TR just did.
EDIT: Meant 125K/episode.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: T-Rex,
Getting LOST since 2004
Posts: 538 | Location: MN | Registered: 21 September 2006
Yes you're probably right, but I simply find Izzie to be the most annoying of all the Greys characters.
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Originally posted by T-Rex: Heigl has a little more weight behind her demands now. Whether or not you liked "Knocked Up" it has been the best reviewed movie of the summer and is doing exceptionally well. This translates into the TV world and getting more $$$. She'll probably end up with 125k/yr like TR just did.
I believe Imus apologized for his remarks, given your line of thought below, Imus' firing was ridiculous too. And really now, rehab? Rehab is word thrown around anytime someone's actions are questioned. It means nothing in this case.
quote:
Originally posted by mushu_jj: You know he was way out of line for what he said, but after going to the rehab and doing the PSA's, apologizing, not to mention, what I'm sure was a grilling from the organization he's doing the PSA's for, I think this is a bit ridiculous. He actually was one of my favorite characters, but I'm not losing any sleep over it.
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Posts: 5914 | Location: Chicago, IL | Registered: 20 September 2006
Our newspaper had the article in the paper this am and quoted the original source as "people.com".....
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Originally posted by TAYLORJNG: Exclusive! Grey's Fires Isaiah Washington
Yeah, you read that headline correctly.
Multiple sources are telling me that Isaiah Washington will not be returning to Grey's Anatomy next season. An ABC Studios spokesperson confirms that the actor's contract option has not been picked up, but declined further comment.
One insider, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, speculated that the decision was likely due only in part to the T.R. Knight homophobic slur scandal and the subsequent fallout. "There was a pattern of problematic behavior going back before he used the F-word," says my spy. "I imagine [his dismissal] was the result of all of that."
Washington's rep, Howard Bragman, confirmed the news, adding that his client was informed by Grey's executive producer Shonda Rhimes earlier today that he was not being invited back to the show. In a statement, Washington, referencing the iconic line from Network, said, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore." (He's kidding... I think.)
Plot-wise, it won't be difficult to explain Washington's absence. In last month's season finale, Burke left Cristina at the altar and moved out of their apartment.
Personally, I think ABC did the right thing. As much as I'll miss Burke, Washington's behavior was inexcusable and it was tearing apart the show. But enough about me and my opinion, what do you think of ABC's decision to fire Isaiah? Sound off below...
X, I don't want to start a war here, but he apologized, he did oodles of things to state he was sorry, and it took ABC this long to get him off the air? I mean come on, if this was a firing for creative reasons its one thing, but we all know its not. I will once again say that in no way do I think his words were appropriate, but TR Knight is no saint and has repeated showed up for work late and also caused behind the scenes problems as far as pay is concerned. Ditto for Heigl.
As far as Imus is concerned, I feel that was a much different situation. He said that on the air and his remarks afterwards, save for the conversation with the team, were not what I would call the best road to take. Washington didn't even say the word to Knight's face or on the air (not that it makes it excusable). Ironically, Imus is expected to get a new radio show here sometime soon and he will no doubt get a big fat check from CBS before its all said and done.
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Originally posted by xwiseguyx: I believe Imus apologized for his remarks, given your line of thought below, Imus' firing was ridiculous too. And really now, rehab? Rehab is word thrown around anytime someone's actions are questioned. It means nothing in this case.
quote:
Originally posted by mushu_jj: You know he was way out of line for what he said, but after going to the rehab and doing the PSA's, apologizing, not to mention, what I'm sure was a grilling from the organization he's doing the PSA's for, I think this is a bit ridiculous. He actually was one of my favorite characters, but I'm not losing any sleep over it.
You know full well Shonda Rhimes didn't fire him, since the two of them are on the same level mentally.
Wow, no way THAT could be interpreted as offensive by any minority group. Truly you are a master of PR, Riff Rafferty.
I don't know Ms. Rhimes' mind as well as you seem to think you do, but I do note in passing that the season ended in such a way as to make it very easy to explain Burke's absence in the following season. What was hard to explain was that he'd bail on the relationship at such a crucial moment, and in such a hurtful way. And I tend to interpret this as Rhimes feeling like she needed to come up with a reason for Burke not to be around the following season, just in case he wasn't.
