Jesse Williams Fired? ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Fans Petition To Have Actor Canned After BET Speech


Will Jesse Williams be fired from Grey’s Anatomy? If some angry fans get their way, the actor’s time on the show could be limited. According to Jezebel, over 4,500 people have signed a petition to remove Jesse Williams from the show following his speech at the BET Awards. While many people loved Williams’ speech, there were clearly some fans who were not impressed.

“Williams speech at the BET Awards was incendiary, calling out cultural appropriation and the nationwide epidemic of racially motivated police violence. Heavy stuff for an awards show, and it went over great with the audience and many viewers.”

Jesse Williams likely doesn’t have to worry about being fired from Grey’s Anatomy, but these fans are making it clear that they didn’t like what he had to say. Many feel that Williams’ speech was racist and that he should not be praised for the things that he said.

You can read part of the petition explanation below. It has been on Change.org for a few days now and is just starting to trend online.

“Jesse Williams spewed a racist, hate speech against law enforcement and white people at the BET awards. If this was a white person making the same speech about an African American, they would have been fired and globally chastised, as they should be, but there has been no consequences to Williams’ actions. There’s been no companies making a stand against his racist remarks and no swift action condemning his negative attitude. Why was Burke’s character fired from Grey’s Anatomy after his inappropriate homophobic slur, but nothing for Jesse Williams? Why the one-way street? Why the support for a hater? Why the hypocrisy? #AllLivesMatter All humans bleed the same color. #EqualConsequences4RacistBehavior.”

It appears as though Jesse Williams responded to the petition in a recent tweet. Said tweet was retweeted by the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes. She then sent out a tweet of her own to those petitioning for Williams’ removal. It looks like his job is safe as he has the support of the one woman who’s opinion really matters.

Jesse Williams was trending for days after his BET speech went viral. Thousands of people praised his words and loved the message that he delivered. The 34-year-old actor really struck a chord with people when he talked about race and how the world needs to better comprehend what is going on when it comes to race issues and equality. He was cheered by the audience during his speech and seemed to gain respect from his peers but, as with anything, he also upset a lot of people too.

What did you think of Jesse Williams’ BET speech? Do you agree with the things that he said, or do you agree with the petition that has been started to get him kicked off Grey’s Anatomy? Sound off in the comments below.

You can watch Jesse Williams’ BET speech in the video below.

[Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images]

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