Isaiah Washington says goodbye to Hollywood and blames the ‘haters’.
The Grey’s Anatomy alum, 59, took to Twitter on Tuesday with a lengthy statement announcing his early retirement and letting fans know that his film Corsicana may be his last acting project.
“It is with a heavy heart and a sense of relief that I today announce my early retirement from the entertainment industry,” wrote the actor – who was fired from Grey’s Anatomy in 2007 after allegedly using a gay slur against costar T.R. Knight.
“Those who have followed/witnessed my journey here on Twa***r since 2011 all know I fought the good fight, but it seems the haters, provocateurs and the Useful Idiots have won.”
The Texas-born star also shared his post-retirement plans: “I’m no longer interested in going back and forth about a “color construct” that keeps us humans divided, nor am I interested in politics or anything vicious. I will travel this great country before it falls into socialism and then into communism.”
Early retirement: Grey’s Anatomy alum Isaiah Washington, 59, took to Twitter to announce his early retirement in a long tirade; In the photo 2022
‘The haters won’: The actor wrote, ‘I fought the good fight, but it seems the haters, provocateurs and the useful idiots won’, while announcing his departure from Hollywood
Latest Project: In his statement, Isaiah informed fans that his latest film Corsicana may be his last acting project; Depicted in a still from Corsicana
“Until then, know that this Frederick Douglass Conservative will keep his powder dry and love you all!”
Washington continued, “I am truly grateful for your support over the years. Looks like CORSICANA #CorsicanaMovie is the last time you’ll see me as an American-born actor.”
He concluded his statement by writing, “Just know I will post a few photos of my retirement secrets here and there, but until then. Be safe out there. Your loved ones love you and need you. GREETING!’
Isaiah stars as Bass Reeves in the 2022 movie Corsicana, which he says will be his last. He also directed and wrote the feature film.
The film follows a former slave turned US Marshal who tracks down an outlaw gang of killers to Corsicana, Texas. The thriller also stars Lew Temple, Stacey Dash and Noel Gugliemi.
Washington rose to fame playing the highly skilled cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Preston Burke in Grey’s Anatomy.
He was an original cast member of the show, but was fired in 2007 after three seasons, after he was accused of using a homophobic slur in reference to co-star TR Knight – who later came out as gay – while arguing had with co-star Patrick Dempsey on set.
He later denied using the term as a slur, claiming that he instead told Patrick to stop treating him as an “F-word,” which he said meant “someone who is weak and afraid of going back.” to fight’.
Plans: The ‘Frederick Douglass Conservative’ also shared his plans after his retirement: ‘I will travel this great country before it falls into socialism and then into communism’; In the photo 2021
Dr. Burke: Washington became famous for playing Dr. Preston Burke in Grey’s Anatomy. He was fired in 2007 after using a homophobic slur against co-star TR Knight while arguing with actor Patrick Dempsey on set; Still from Grey’s Anatomy
Flashback: The two teamed up for the first three seasons of Grey’s Anatomy from 2005 to 2007; (L-R) Washington, Sandra Oh, James Pickens Jr, Ellen Pompeo, TR Knight, Patrick Dempsey, Justin Chambers, Katherine Heigl and Chandra Wilson in 2005 promo shot
In 2021, Isaiah talked about his experiences on the Grey’s Anatomy set, and what he said were many toxic elements in the game involving key characters in ABC’s medical drama, in particular former lead actor Patrick Dempsey.
He continued KBLA Talk 1580 radio show saying his firing was “an agenda to cover up the toxic and bad behavior of many of my former castmates on that show… and the top of that would be Patrick Dempsey.”
Washington said his tension with Dempsey, 57, was initially based on finances.
“I was the highest paid person on that show, next to Patrick Dempsey,” he said. “Apparently it came out, so there was a lot of resentment. I understand that, but it was based on my roles and my resume. I can’t help that.
“He was called Pilot Poison. Nobody wanted him on the show. They wanted Rob Lowe,” he added.
As of the incident involving TR Knight, 49, Washington said Knight was not present when he used the offensive phrase, and that the story involving Dempsey was twisted to make him look bad.
“It went from a brawl, which was never a brawl, to me saying something about TR,” Washington said, adding that he was “forced to apologize” to keep his spot on the hit show.
In 2014, he reflected on his experience on the show, saying, “I’m not worried about whether the stories I’m telling will destroy my acting career because you can’t take away something that doesn’t exist.” They killed the actor (in me) on June 7, 2007.”
Career: Washington was the recipient of the 2007 NAACP Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Grey’s Anatomy prior to his firing (pictured with the award)
