Isaiah Washington: Foot-In-Mouth Disease Or Just Plain Ignorance?

Photo Courtesy of Instagram (@therealisaiahwashington)

Former Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington is stirring up controversy on social media with a recent post that has left many scratching their heads.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Washington reflects on his upbringing and reveals that some of the best elementary school teachers and neighbors he had were members of the Ku Klux Klan.

“I had some of the best elementary school teachers and even some neighbors that I knew were Klan Members back in Texas while growing up,” Washington began. “I knew where They stood with me and They also knew where I stood with Them. The boundaries were very, very clear and I still played with Their kids, I just couldn’t drink from Their outside water hose or come inside Their house to eat and Their houses were usually much smaller than what I grew up in.”

He continued, “My mother never refused to let Their kids into her house to eat a summer lunch and drink from our vintage JFK water glasses. I can’t help but wonder today, if Their kids are vigorously supporting me as an actor today, simply because I showed Them love and respect as a true Texan and a true American, even when Their parents and grandparents forbid Them to reciprocate love and respect for me publicly to me back then, but I’m infamous now. I wonder…”

The post includes pictures of three anonymous KKK women members and a baby, all adorned in the standard white robes and hoods. While Washington doesn’t explicitly condone or condemn the KKK, his remarks have left many wondering what his intentions were in sharing such a post.

Social media has had plenty to say about Washington’s latest post, with many expressing their outrage and confusion at his remarks.

One user said, “There is something genuinely wrong with Isaiah Washington.”

Another commented, “Wonder what Isaiah Washington’s “great” KKK schoolteachers taught him about the Civil War and reconstruction and Jim Crow. He said they “stood with him.” No they didn’t. They were KKK. WTF.”

Another said, “Isaiah Washington had a problem with actors from the diaspora getting roles in Hollywood. It’s only fitting that he would drop to his knees and write a butter biscuit, tap dancing, yessah boss, thank you letter to the Klan.”