Washington To Return To "Grey's" Set
Embattled "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington will return to the set of the hit ABC show on Thursday, a source tells The ShowBuzz.
The actor, who uttered an anti-gay slur at a Golden Globes press conference, announced on Jan. 24 that he was seeking counseling. The star has not been on the set of the series since Jan. 23, the source said.
Washington's publicist declined to comment on the matter.
"With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling," Washington said in a statement released by his rep, Kelly Mullens, on Jan. 24. "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."
Washington's costar Chandra Wilson accepted the award for best female actor in a drama series at the Screen Actor's Guild awards on Sunday night and gave Washington a nod.Story: Washington Enters Counseling
"It's about those 10 cast members sitting over there and the other one in rehab," Wilson said on stage, which prompted laughs from the audience. "Y'all just hold me together."
Rumors have been circulating that Washington, who did not attend the Screen Actors Guild awards on Sunday, would be fired from the show. Rumors also generated that his costar, at whom the anti-gay slur was directed, would also quit the show.
MSNBC.com's The Scoop reported on Jan. 29 that Knight, who plays Dr. George O'Malley on the show, was not pleased with how the incident was handled after Washington used the slur in October during an on-set scuffle.
"He feels that the atmosphere there is so toxic and unhealthy," a source told The Scoop. "I suppose things could change and we would stay, but for now, he's planning to leave the show."
"Entertainment Tonight" reported Tuesday that the report was not true.
Series star Ellen Pompeo also mentioned Washington, among others, when the entire cast went on stage to accept the Screen Actors Guild award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series on Sunday night.
By Amy Bonawitz