30 of Shonda Rhimes’ Stars Respond to New York Times’ “Angry Black Woman” Column

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.

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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

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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 Anatomy, Scandal
Amazing, storyteller, maverick

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

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

Katie Lowes, Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal
Brilliant, beautiful, caring

Jerrika Hinton, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal
Master of drama

Guillermo Diaz, Scandal
Poised, compassionate, loving

Darby Stanchfield, Scandal, Private Practice
Golden-age TV goddess

Camilla Luddington, Grey’s Anatomy
Talented, strong, incredible

Liza Weil, How to Get Away With Murder, Scandal, Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy
Lovely, gifted, troubadour

Billy Brown, How to Get Away With Murder
Savvy, intelligent, cool

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Kelly McCreary, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal
Brilliant, creative, passionate

Joe Morton, Scandal
Very talented genius

Katie Findlay, How to Get Away With Murder
Total badass

Jon Tenney, Scandal
An amazing storyteller

George Newbern, Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice
Giving, smart, silly

Portia de Rossi, Scandal
Elegant, brilliant, kind

Alfred Enoch, How to Get Away With Murder
Supportive, welcoming, nourishing

Aja Naomi King, How to Get Away With Murder
Brilliant, capable, career woman

Karla Souza, How to Get Away With Murder
Magnetic, fierce, wonderful

Charlie Weber, How to Get Away With Murder
Warm, amazing boss

Matt McGorry, How to Get Away With Murder
Visionary, powerful, trailblazing

Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder air Thursdays from 8-11 p.m. on ABC.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit