"Grey's" Star Apologizes For Using Slur

Isaiah Washington Says He Can Neither Defend Nor Explain His Behavior

(CBS) 

On Wednesday, the media watchdog group Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) called for a public apology from Washington.

"When Isaiah Washington uses this kind of anti-gay slur — whether on set or in front of the press — it does more than create a hostile environment for his castmates and the crew of 'Grey's Anatomy,'" GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano said. "It also feeds a climate of hatred and intolerance that contributes to putting our community in harm's way."

In an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Wednesday, Knight discussed the controversy, saying the October incident forced him out of the closet and shifted his perspective on the issue because he had never been called that to his face before.

It was then, he told DeGeneres, that he decided to tell People magazine that he is gay. "Everyone heard (the slur), on the set," Knight said.

Knight said that his friends on the set knew he was gay, but that following the incident he decided he had to come out publicly.

"I have never been called (faggot) to my face," he said. "I could have just let it slide and not said anything. But it became important for me to make the statement."

In regards to the remark Washington made in the press room at the Golden Globes, where he denied using the slur, Knight told DeGeneres, "I don't know what to say, really, about that."

"I don't either, except that we should not say hateful words to one another," DeGeneres said.

"As Ellen pointed out in her discussion with T.R., this is a word that's used to abuse kids on school playgrounds," said Giuliano. "We also know that, tragically, this sometimes can be the last word people hear before they're attacked, beaten and possibly even killed. Washington's repeated use of it on-set and in the media is simply inexcusable."

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Photos: Golden Globes

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According to the New York Daily News, the on-set squabble in October between Dempsey and Washington nearly came to blows about cast members being late for production.

After Dempsey and Washington had words, Washington reportedly fired the slur at Knight, which prompted Dempsey to say, "Pick on someone your own size," according to the National Enquirer.

A source told the Enquirer that Washington got angry and allegedly grabbed Dempsey by the throat and shoved him a few feet. But the Daily News' source says no punches were thrown, but rather "Isaiah said some disgusting things … I think Isaiah has issues."

Knight told DeGeneres that the part about him being late wasn't true. "I was there, I was ready to go," he said.

At the press conference, Washington's comment prompted gasps from the crowd and the rest of the briefing was spent watching Sandra Oh trying to keep Knight from bolting the platform, according to Hollywood Reporter.

The denial also upset co-star Katherine Heigl. At the In Style Warner Brother's party later, she told "Access Hollywood's" Shaun Robinson that Washington was way out of line.

"I'm going to be really honest right now … he needs to just not speak in public, period," Heigl said of Washington. "I'm sorry, that did not need to be said, I'm not OK with it."

When Robinson asked Heigl if she thought things would work out, she replied: "I hope so, you know, I don't think he means the way he comes off. You know what I mean? But T.R.'s my best friend. So I will throw down for that kid. I will beat you up … I will use every ounce of energy I have to take you down if you hurt his feelings."

After the press conference, Washington continued to talk about the on-set fight and the reports about what happened, telling "Access Hollywood," "There is no way I could do anything so vile, and so horrible, not only to a castmate, but to a fellow human being."