Former
Grey's Anatomy star
Isaiah Washington is getting some surprising support from a prominent activist in the Gay/Lesbian community. According to various internet reports, as well as the Associated Press, prominent Gay / Lesbian activist
Jasmyne Cannick, who has previously worked with Washington, is petitioning for the actor to be reinstated to Grey's Anatomy, and is countering the charges of homophobia on Washington's behalf by firing claims of racism at ABC.
Your Take
nathaniel said:
i cannot watch g- anatomy anymore. it is boring. i am so tired of georgr izzy etc. christina and burke need...
ritawang said:
After all these things, even Dr. Burke comes back in season 4. I will feel different to see Burke. But he a...
john said:
Oh, and to boot, Ms. Jasmyne is African American, too, big surprise! (I'm Irish-Scandinavian American) -- a...
Cannick has gathered over 1,300 signatures so far, and carries with her a list of black actors who have been unexpectedly cut from the network's leading shows including
Star Jones (The View), Harold Perrineau (Lost), Alfre Woodard, Mehcad Brooks and Page Kennedy (Desperate Housewives). Furthermore, Cannick is shining an extra bright light on the efforts of Washington to atone for his now infamous behavior, going as far as to elevate the beguiled actor's acts of contrition as being more positive for the gay the community than his alleged victim, T.R. Knight.
An outraged Cannick told The New York Post "Isaiah has done more for the gay and lesbian community than T.R. Knight did in or out of the closet. He did what they asked him to do, and now they want to make sure he will never work again. At what point is enough?"
In a day and age where well organized fans were able to bring an entire series back to the air, is it inconceivable to think that similar efforts could bring Washington back to the show? Fan reaction has been mixed with passionate reactions on both sides to Washington's failure to secure a renewal with ABC. Would Washington return if the opportunity arose? He has already stated publicly - in an interview - that he would guest star on Grey's Anatomy if creator Shonda Rhimes requested. As for these particular efforts to restore his character, all Washington's publicist had to say was "We appreciate Cannick's support."
- Jon Lachonis, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image © 2007 ABC)
(Sources The New York Post, AP, StarPulse.com)