Jesse Williams' BET Awards speech sparks petitions
Jesse Williams is the subject of dueling online petitions following the actor's fiery speech after receiving a humanitarian honor at the BET Awards last month.
One petition calls for the "Grey's Anatomy" star to be fired over the June 26 speech in which he criticized police in America, saying: "We know that police somehow manage to de-escalate, disarm and not kill white people every day."
Another petition filed in response supports Williams, calling him "a brave leader."
"Grey's Anatomy" creator and producer Shonda Rhimes has given her own thoughts on Twitter , writing "Um, people? Boo don't need a petition."
Williams has played Dr. Jackson Avery on the ABC drama for seven seasons.
Um, people? Boo don't need a petition. #shondalandrules
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) July 5, 2016