'Grey's Anatomy' Star Enters Counseling

Zap2It.com | January 25, 2007

Isaiah Washington

Washington seeks help 'understanding' gay slur

Isaiah Washington of "Grey's Anatomy" has entered therapy to help "understand" what caused him to utter a gay slur about castmate T.R. Knight.

The show's creator has also issued a statement saying she was shocked by Washington's use of the word "faggot" backstage at the Golden Globes last week and hopes that counseling will help Washington.

"With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling," Washington says in a statement. "I regard this as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again. I appreciate the fact that I have been given this opportunity and I remain committed to transforming my negative actions into positive results, personally and professionally."

The 43-year-old actor has been at the center of a controversy since the Golden Globe Awards -- at which "Grey's Anatomy" won the award for best TV drama -- on Jan. 15. A reporter asked about an on-set incident in the fall in which Washington reportedly directed a slur at Knight, who is gay.

A reporter at the Globes asked about the incident -- which Washington had subsequently apologized for -- and Washington denied having used the epithet. That set off the current swirl of stories, with Knight and co-star Katherine Heigl taking Washington to task and gay organizations demanding an apology from Washington.

He did apologize last week, and met with leaders of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network earlier this week.

Rhimes remained silent on the matter until Wednesday, when she issued a statement saying that "I speak for all the executive producers here at 'Grey's Anatomy' when I say that Isaiah Washington's use of such a disturbing word was a shocking and dismaying event that insulted not only gays and lesbians everywhere, but anyone who has ever struggled for respect in a world that is not always accepting of difference."

She adds that ABC and Touchstone TV, which produces the show, are working with her to handle the matter "in a way that underscores the gravity of the situation while giving us all a foundation for healing."

"We applaud and encourage Isaiah's realization that he needs help and his subsequent choice to seek immediate treatment for his behavioral issues," Rhimes says.

It's unclear whether Washington's counseling will affect the production of the series.