Scroll To Top
Arts & Entertainment

Washington,
rebuked by ABC, apologizes for antigay epithet

Washington,
rebuked by ABC, apologizes for antigay epithet

Isiaiah_contrite

The heated controversy at ABC's top show, Grey's Anatomy, boiled over Thursday as the network rebuked costar Isaiah Washington for an antigay comment and Washington issued a lengthy apology.

Support The Advocate
LGBTQ+ stories are more important than ever. Join us in fighting for our future. Support our journalism.

The heated controversy at ABC's top show, Grey's Anatomy, 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's Anatomy. 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)

Stonewall Brick AwardsOut / Advocate Magazine - Jonathan Groff & Wayne Brady

From our Sponsors

Most Popular

Latest Stories

Outtraveler Staff