How a NYTimes Critic Created an ‘Angry Black Woman’ Firestorm

Kerry Washington, Chandra Wilson and Viola Davis

 

 

 

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It’s nearly impossible to describe Shonda Rhimes, the prolific producer behind Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder, in only three words. But that effectively is what happened Friday when a New York Times feature designed to put the spotlight on Rhimes’ ability to break down stereotypes essentially reduced the prolific showrunner to an “angry black woman.”

.The story went viral — for all the wrong reasons. The article, which referenced black characters like Grey’s Anatomy‘s Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), Scandal‘s Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and How to Get Away With Murder‘s Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), sparked an immediate response from Rhimes. “Wait. I’m ‘angry’ AND a ROMANCE WRITER?!! I’m going to need to put down the internet and go dance this one out. Because ish is getting real,” she wrote. The backlash stretched beyond Rhimes, with Shondaland stars including Josh Malina and Bellamy Young expressing their dismay at the story.

.With stars and producers from all three shows gathered Saturday night in Hollywood to kickoff the fall’s Shondaland “TGIT” programming block, The Hollywood Reporter asked more than 30 stars to describe Rhimes in three words — other than “angry black woman.” Here’s what they said.

Kerry Washington, Scandal

Brilliant, compassionate, courageous

Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy
Writer, shy, decisive

Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder
Innovative, courageous, visionary

Kevin McKidd, Grey’s Anatomy
Inspirational, intuitive, deeply passionate

Bellamy Young, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal
Genius life-changer

Tom Verica, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder
Beautiful, gifted, powerful

Caterina Scorsone, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice
Kaleidoscopic, nuanced, compassionate

Betsy Beers, Shondaland partner
Gracious, brilliant, entertaining

Paul Adelstein, Private Practice, Scandal
Generous, genius, writer

Jessica Capshaw, Grey’s Anatomy
Brave, powerful, kind

Jeff Perry, Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy
Artistically subversive, remarkably inclusive

Kate Burton, Grey’s, Scandal
Amazing, storyteller, maverick

Sara Ramirez, Grey’s Anatomy
Ambitious, leader, brilliant

Scott Foley, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal
Creative, sexy ga

THE REST OF THE SHONDA RHIMES DESCRIPTORS ARE FOUND  HERE.