The heated
controversy at ABC's top show, Grey'sAnatomy, boiled over Thursday as the network
rebuked costar Isaiah Washington for an antigay
comment and Washington issued a lengthy apology. ''We are
greatly dismayed that Mr. Washington chose to use such
inappropriate language at the Golden Globes, language
that he himself deemed 'unfortunate' in his previous
public apology,'' the network said in a statement.
''His actions are unacceptable and are being addressed,''
the statement concluded.
During a backstage interview Monday at the
Golden Globe awards gala, Washington denied
involvement in a heated on-set incident in October
during which an antigay remark was reportedly uttered. ''No,
I did not call [costar] T.R. [Knight] a faggot,''
Washington told reporters. ''Never happened, never happened.''
In his apology Thursday, Washington acknowledged
''repeating the word Monday night.'' ''I apologize to
T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show, and
especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word
that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance. I
marred what should have been a perfect night for
everyone who works on Grey'sAnatomy. I can neither defend nor explain my
behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that
there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own
soul, and I've asked for help.''
ABC said in its statement it has ''a
longstanding policy to maintain respectful
workplaces'' for its employees, adding that the network had
''dealt with the original situation in October, and thought
the issue resolved.'' The statements came a day after
the president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation demanded an apology from Washington.
On Thursday, GLAAD president Neil Giuliano said
he was encouraged by Washington's latest remarks. ''We
are...optimistic that it may mark a turning point in
this deeply troubling situation,'' Giuliano said.
Washington said Thursday that he welcomes the
chance to meet with gay and lesbian leaders ''to
apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to
heal the wounds I've opened.'' ''I know a mere apology will
not end this, and I intend to let my future actions
prove my sincerity,'' Washington said. (Sandy Cohen,
AP)
