Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

Former Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington insists that it was actor T.R. Knight, not he, who should have been fired from the hit ABC medical dramedy.

"They fired the wrong guy," says Isaiah Washington.

Washington, 43, who was let go on June 7, has been slammed with negative publicity since October, when he uttered an anti-gay slur during an on-set disagreement with costar Patrick Dempsey.

In a telephone interview with the Houston Chronicle, Washington claims that it was Knight who propagated the idea that the slur was targeted at him and created a negative work environment.

Washington also told the Chronicle that he believes Knight, 34, likely wanted a salary increase and a more substantive role for his character.

Knight, who acknowledged that he was gay after the incident, later said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that Washington used the epithet against him. "Everyone (on the set) heard it,” he said.

"That's a lie," says Washington, a Houston native. "I used the word during a disagreement with Patrick. I apologized for that. We shook hands and went back to work."

The actor later participated in a public service announcement in which he spoke out against homophobic, racist and sexist language, The PSA ran during two back-to-back episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.

"I did everything I said I would do,” he says. “I offered to go to counseling, to do a public service announcement. I wanted everyone to know I was remorseful."

Washington told the Chronicle that he learned that ABC would not renew his contract during a tearful call from Grey’s creator Shonda Rhimes.

"That was a shock," he said. "I did everything they told me to do, including not saying anything, and then they didn't renew my contract. That's not fair."

He said he made three errors in judgment: "believing the cast of Grey's Anatomy were like family; believing I had the freedom to express myself with family and that we could resolve our issues; and trusting ABC was going to take care of me.”

After his firing, Washington released a statement saying, “I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore."

However, he now claims that his anger issues are behind him.

"I'm not angry. I'm disappointed."

Washington may take his disappointment all the way to court.

The actor, who is now at work on the set of his new movie, The Least of These, revealed that he is considering filing a lawsuit.

"I have to clear my name," he says. "My livelihood, my honor and dignity and my name have been so challenged."

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

"I have to clear my name," he says. "My livelihood, my honor and dignity and my name have been so challenged."


Well if that was the case you would not have used such a word you A$$.

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

For someone is who isn't 'angry,' he's sure making a big deal about it.

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

I think we don't know what went on. There are 3 sides to the story. This whole controversy is more attn than this situation needs.

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

He needs to learn to keep his mouth shut. To now go and say that someone else should have been fired is just petty BS!!!

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

Hes an A S S !

If the first time was a disagreement, and it was solved, he should have NEVER brought it up again. I honestly dont think he would have been fired had he not started the entire issue again at the awards show. It was then that he used that word for the second time, starting the whole thing over again.

I love TR and if he was to be fired, I would honestly not watch the show anymore. Not like he is going to be, just saying.

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

hes digging himself a bigger whole to get out of.

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

He's so full of himself...he's needs to go away. There are thousands of other actors out there that don't feel the need to use that language and would do a great job! Sorry! He needed to go!

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

I don't think he was all that important to the show, anyway. The him and Christina stuff rather bored me.

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

I'm sure if it was the other way around and someone called him the N word he would want them to be fired too!

Get over yourself and learn that if you like your job and want to keep it, keep your thoughts and harsh words to yourself!

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

I guess he was only remorseful as long as he had a job

Re: Isaiah Washington: ABC Should Have Fired T.R. Knight

He is horrid!!! But I will miss his char. Burke I loved him and Yang