'Grey's Anatomy' Star Sara Ramirez Just Called Out ABC for a Biphobic Joke
"I will invest my brand where I'm respected." 👏
Sara Ramirez continues to speak out as an activist for the LGBT community. The actress, who played bisexual character Callie Torres for 10 years on ABC's long-running hit Grey's Anatomy, is calling out her old network for a biphobic joke made in a recent episode of The Real O'Neals, ET Online reports.
The joke, made in the January 17 episode, involved star Noah Galvin's character Kenny, who is openly gay, comparing bisexuality to having "webbed toes" or "money problems." Ramirez, along with other members and allies of the LGBT community, saw the joke as biphobic and a form of bi-erasure.
Ramirez, who came out as bisexual herself last year, took to Twitter to call out the problematic joke and encourage fans to sign a petition asking ABC to own up to the mistake and commit to better representations of bisexual characters in the future.
LGBT advocacy group PFLAG, which worked with The Real O'Neals on the episode, has issued an apology.
"We were so focused on the family acceptance portion of the episode that we completely missed the joke," saidLiz Owen, director of communications for PFLAG National, in a statement. "In hindsight, we should have caught it and we blew it. We should have done better and we will definitely do better next time. As allies we have a responsibility to own it when we mess up."
I asked @PFLAG (who partnered for the acceptance ep. in @TheRealONeal) for a statement on @Noahegalvin 's character bisexual joke. pic.twitter.com/lMdfoGCmwYJanuary 19, 2017
Ramirez praised PFLAG's response to the snafu, but wasn't satisfied with Galvin's now-deleted apology tweet and ABC's continued silence.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Jennifer Lopez Says Ben Affleck Split Did "Almost Take Me Out for Good" the Second Time
She doesn't regret any of the lessons she's learned.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
This Top-Rated Laser Hair Removal Device is on Mega Sale at Amazon Right Now
Shop it now for less than $200.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Why Queen Elizabeth Was Left "Sitting in the Dark" After a Staff Member's Blunder
Former royal footman Steven Kaye shared a hilarious palace "accident."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Thought Ben Affleck Was a "Changed Man" But Being Married to Him Was "Impossible"
"Friends think he is selfish, sullen, impossible to please most of the time and negative."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
'SATC' Star Evan Handler Says He'll "Welcome" Kim Cattrall's Return on His TV Set
She didn't see anyone while filming her cameo.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Everyone Wants Lindsay Lohan on Season 3 of 'White Lotus,' And It Could Actually Happen (If We're Lucky)
Please??????
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
An 'American Idol' Contestant Called Out Katy Perry for "Mom-Shaming" Her
She was really upset by the comment.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jennifer Coolidge Addressed the Fan Campaign for Pamela Anderson to Play Her Sister on 'White Lotus'
She's a big fan, too.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published