The actor best known for his role on Grey's Anatomy before being fired from the show has announced his early retirement from the entertainment industry.
In 2005 ABC debuted what would become Shonda Rhimes' hit medical drama starring Ellen Pompeo, who recently departed the show in its 19th season, Killing Eve’s Sandra Oh, Patrick Dempsey, Katherine Heigl and many more.
No one would have expected Grey's Anatomy to become the longest running medical primetime series of all time when it premiered and while most of the cast, both past and present, are able to celebrate the show's enduring success, one particular star hasn't been one of them.
Isaiah Washington, who was part of the main cast from 2005 to 2007 as Dr. Preston Burke, was dismissed from the show after using a homophobic slur.
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On Tuesday (28 February) Washington informed his 194,000 Twitter followers that he was stepping away from the entertainment industry for good.
“It is with a heavy heart and a sense of relief that I am announcing my early retirement from the entertainment industry today,” he tweeted.
“Those who have been Following/Witnessing my journey here on Twatter [sic] since 2011 all know that I have fought the good fight, but it seems that the haters, provocateurs and the Useful Idiots have won.
“I’m no longer interested in the back and forth regarding a ‘color construct’ that keeps us human beings divided nor am I interested in politics or anything vitriolic.
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The Romeo Must Die actor implied he was going to spend his new free time exploring the US.
“I will be traveling this great country before it falls into Socialism and then Communism. Until then, know that this Frederick Douglass Conservative will keep his powder dry and loves you all! I am truly grateful for your support over the years," he shared.
Washington also plugged his 2022 film, which will probably be his last, writing: “It looks like CORSICANA #CorsicanaMovie may be the last time you see me as an Actor born here in America.
“Just know that I will be posting a few pictures of my retirement shenanigans here and there, but until then. Be safe out there. Your loved ones love you and need you. SALUTE!”
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Washington was accused of calling his co-star T.R. Knight a 'f****t' during an on-set argument with Patrick Dempsey.
"No, I did not call T.R. a f****t," he denied while using the word backstage at the 2007 Golden Globes.
Washington apologized for using the homophobic slur in a statement released to People in October 2006, the same month the incident came to light. It read: “I sincerely regret my actions and the unfortunate use of words during the recent incident on-set.
“Both are beneath my own personal standards. I have nothing but respect for my coworkers and have apologized personally to everyone involved.”
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In a 2015 interview with Meredith Vieira he said repeating the word at the Golden Globes was 'a huge mistake'.
The 59-year-old rose to fame after starring in several Spike Lee films in the '90s including Crooklyn, Clockers, Girl 6 and Get on the Bus.
Between 2014 and 2018, he played Thelonious Jaha on The CW's science fiction drama series The 100.
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity