Matt Barnes & Isaiah Washington Engage In Heated Argument: "This Isn't A Game"

BY Erika Marie 12.9K Views
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Isaiah Washington, Matt Barnes
It all began after Washington denounced the Democratic Party.

A conversation between actor Isaiah Washington and former NBA star Matt Barnes became tense earlier today. The ever-controversial Washington recently made headlines after a news story began circulating that he has withdrawn his alliance to the Democratic Party because he believes they are more destructive than helpful.

In an interview with Fox News, the actor stated that he decided to switch gears after he was invited to the White House and also shared that there are many Hollywood figures who are Trump supporters but are afraid of a public backlash if they speak up. "You got a lot of conservative or centric libertarian-minded people that really care about other people but they are terrified to come out of the closet and say anything that's not in line with the Democratic party," he said.

Comedian and radio host D.L. Hughley shared the news about Washington on his Instagram page which prompted a response from Barnes. "His career must be struggling & he wants some attention," Barnes wrote. Washington didn't appreciate the comment so he replied by saying, "You couldn’t and wouldn’t survive in my shoes for a week. Watch what you say about people when you have kids. Crazy things can change your way a life in a heartbeat. This isn’t a game. My life and career has been under attack for years and I’m more relevant and impactful than you son. IW."

Washington continued with a veiled threat. "Mention my name again and we handle it. Like you said, I’m struggling n*gga," he wrote. Barnes said, "Now you wanna act like you don't see my DM. Uncle Tom ass n*gga." That's when Washington throws in, "I see it and my legal team sees it too." That escalated quickly.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.