Author Walter Mosley Quits “Star Trek: Discovery” After Being Told He Couldn’t Say ‘N-Word’ In Writers Room

Walter Mosley

Author Walter Mosley Quits “Star Trek: Discovery” After Being Told He Couldn’t Say ‘N-Word’ In Writers Room

Crime writer Walter Mosley will no longer be writing for  “Star Trek: Discovery” on CBS All Access.

Mosley, who also sat in as producer and writer for FX’s “Snowfall,” is also recognized for his crime novels, including Devil In A Blue Dress that was later turned into a film starring Don Cheadle and Denzil Washington. 

Now, Mosley has revealed why he quit “Star Trek: Discovery.” His decision came after a dispute with the HR Department concerning him using the n-word in the writers’ room. Mosley said he had just wrapped up a season of the “Snowfall” writers’ room when he decided to go to a new network. But he added that it didn’t take long for things to go left.

“I’d been in the new room for a few weeks when I got the call from Human Resources. A pleasant-sounding young man said, “Mr. Mosley, it has been reported that you used the N-word in the writers’ room. I replied, I am the N-word in the writers’ room.'”

Mosley said he took issue with being told he could write the word, but not say it. He added,

“I hadn’t called anyone it. I just told a story about a cop who explained to me, on the streets of Los Angeles, that he stopped all niggers in paddy neighborhoods and all paddies in nigger neighborhoods, because they were usually up to no good. I was telling a true story as I remembered it.”

He continued and someone, he doesn’t know who, called HR and told the department that Mosley’s use of the word made them uncomfortable. The HR department then informed Mosley that using the word was “unacceptable.”

Mosley added in his op-ed,

“There’s all kinds of language that makes me uncomfortable. Half the utterances of my president, for instance. Some people’s sexual habits and desires. But I have no right whatsoever to tell anyone what they should and should not cherish or express.”

He said his response was to resign.

“I was in a writers’ room trying to be creative while at the same time being surveilled by unknown critics who would snitch on me to a disembodied voice over the phone. My every word would be scrutinized. Sooner or later I’d be fired or worse — silenced.”

CBS Studios also released a statement.

“We have the greatest admiration for Mr. Mosley’s writing talents and were excited to have him join “Star Trek: Discovery. While we cannot comment on the specifics of confidential employee matters, we are committed to supporting a workplace where employees feel free to express concerns and where they feel comfortable performing their best work. We wish Mr. Mosley much continued success.”

Do you think Walter Mosley should have gotten chastised for using the N-word? Tell us in the comments.