"Grey's" Star Apologizes For Using Slur

Isaiah Washington Says He Can Neither Defend Nor Explain His Behavior

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NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2007 | by Caitlin A. Johnson

(CBS)  "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington has formally apologized for using the word "faggot" in the Golden Globes press room 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," he said in a statement sent to The Showbuzz Thursday evening.

Washington opened old wounds backstage at the Golden Globes when he answered a question about the October on-set argument where he allegedly referred to co-star T.R. Knight using an anti-gay slur.

"No, I did not call T.R. a 'faggot,'" Washington told reporters. "It never happened."

Washington and the cast of the show were in the press room to celebrate their Golden Globe win for best drama series.

"By repeating the word Monday night, I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on 'Grey's Anatomy,'" he said. "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."

The actor reached out to gay and lesbian community leaders, and complimented Knight for how he handled the incident.

"T.R.'s courage throughout this entire episode speaks to his tremendous character," Washington said. "I hold his talent, and T.R. as a person, in high esteem. I know a mere apology will not end this, and I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity."

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Photos: Golden Globes

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Washington's apology came shortly after ABC, which airs the popular drama series, issued a statement Thursday saying the network is "greatly dismayed" by the actor's use of the homophobic slur.

"We have a longstanding policy to create and maintain respectful workplaces for all our employees," the statement said. "We dealt with the original situation in October, and thought the issue resolved. Therefore, 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 it is taking the situation "very seriously," calling Washington's actions "unacceptable" and saying the issue is "being addressed."

A publicist for ABC told The Showbuzz that no announcement has been made regarding how Washington's actions will be addressed.

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