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In the preview for the new episode of Grey’s Anatomy Season 17, the show tackles racial injustice. However, fans are torn over whether it is too soon to bring attention to such a “horrific issue.” Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) is still sick with COVID-19, and now the promo shows a patient injured at a peacefull protest.

Greys Anatomy new episode with Richard Webber and Jackson Avery
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 17 Episode 12 with James Pickens, Jr. and Jesse Williams | Christopher Willard/Getty Images

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 17 Episode 12 new promo

In the new episode of Grey’s Anatomy, Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) is out for a run when he sees a peaceful protest. He looks across the street at a group of people holding signs that say, “I can’t breathe.” Although the promo does not mention George Floyd’s death, viewers know that the writers are about to talk about racial injustice in the new episode.

“She was hit with a tear gas canister,” Richard Webber (James Pickens, Jr.) says as a Black woman emerges from a car, injured, with blood on her shirt. “We were marching peacefully.”

The description of Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 Episode 12 indicates that Maggie treats a patient hurt in Seattle protests. The surgeons also have to figure out how to take care of a patient who does not believe that COVID-19 is real.

“No training could prepare them for this,” reads the new Grey’s Anatomy episode promo.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ episodes are ‘exploiting’ the Black Lives Matter movement

Some fans feel like Grey’s Anatomy’s new episode should not touch on racial injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement. 

“I feel like it’s just not right,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “I know they’re trying to bring attention to the horrific issue, but this week just feels like it’s not the right time to air this.”

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Grey’s Anatomy often touches on current events and uncomfortable topics. However, Derek Chauvin is currently on trial for the death of George Floyd. So, some viewers believe it’s too soon to cover racial injustice.

“I understand the need to do it, but timing is important,” another viewer added. “Whether it’s a real message or not, the shows are for entertainment, and it’s not the time. Its exploitation.”

The new episode could be powerful

Other fans have a different perspective about the new episode of Grey’s Anatomy. They hope the racial and social injustice is portrayed delicately yet powerfully.

“I hope it can bring a light to it that some may not have seen,” one viewer wrote.

Some fans commented about how well Grey’s Anatomy portrays complex topics. 

“I really appreciate when shows reflect/portray injustice / uncomfortable topics that affect people in day-to-day life, especially those that are meant for comedic / entertainment purposes, especially when they do it right,” another fan added.

“A show can be two things,” the fan continued. “Yes, it can be a means of escapism/humor/entertainment. But, when you have a big platform, it’s also good to educate/depict issues that affect people on a day-to-day basis.”

Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 new episode airs Thursday at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

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