Report: Isaiah Washington in Therapy
Isaiah Washington, who has said he needs help to resolve issues "within my own soul" following his anti-gay remarks, is seeking counseling, he said in a statement to People Wednesday:
"With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling. 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."
The actor remains at the center of a firestorm of controversy after using a gay slur to refer to his costar T.R. Knight, who is gay.
Shonda Rhimes, executive producer of Grey's Anatomy, replied with her own statement Wednesday - and by reading between the lines, it appears she is either not ready to decide, or unable to predict what ABC executives will do regarding Washington's future with the show.
"We applaud and encourage [Isaiah Washington's] realization that he needs help and his subsequent choice to seek immediate treatment for his behavioral issues," she said. "All parties are seeking to address the issue in a way that underscores the gravity of the situation while giving us all a foundation for healing."
Washington, who plays Dr. Preston Burke on the hit ABC show, first used the slur during an on-set argument in October, then repeated the word at the Golden Globe Awards last week, while denying he used itthe first time.
Knight has said that the incident in October prompted him to come out of the closet. Washington apologized last week and promised he would seek help.
Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.
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February 2nd, 2007 1:46 PM
Isaiah is OK. TR needs to develop a thicker skin. Sticks and stones, you know. This is much ado about nothing. Frankly, if I hear one more word about it, GA is off my channel line up. And you can thank your overly PC'd cast for that.
January 26th, 2007 8:41 PM
This is OFF TOPIC, but didn't see anything about this here, didn't know where to post. Celebrity Baby Blog is reporting that Jillian Dempsey was in labor earlier today (time not given) and that she and Patrick are expecting their twin sons 'within 18-24 hours'. Patrick may already be a father for the second time by now. I don't have the link for Celebrity Baby Blog, so please Google it if you want to read the post for yourself.
January 26th, 2007 6:08 PM
does no one else work? how many times have we all gotten upset with a co-worker and say things we didnt mean,he without sin cast the first stone!,do you think your boss should fire you or send you for counseling? if that was the case the whole country would be on unemployment.get over it!,look at him for his work .Everybody gets so bent out of shape over what one says when they need to start looking at theirselves,because no one is better then the other.
January 25th, 2007 4:34 PM
The ratings will dictate whether IW is going to remain on the show...
January 25th, 2007 4:33 PM
ok so go to that link and you can see a preview for tonight....it is different that the one above.
oops about the first link it doesn't work ..use the second one.
January 25th, 2007 4:32 PM
http://newsletters.tvguide.com/W0RT020C7D49DFADB231130C4FF3D0
January 25th, 2007 7:28 AM
Seriously!
He shouldn't have done that, but he did. He's hateful for that.
But he is a great actor. It would be sad watching him "die" or "get another job" to leave the show.
He is chauvinist but seriously, people need to get over it.
He spoke it out, but "non-famous" people do it everyday!
If i were Rhimes, I wouldn't know what to do.
January 24th, 2007 8:58 PM
i just couldnt agree with you more..
Sandra Oh and Isaiah Washington are great actors..they have great chemistry on set...
they bring such a dynamic spirit to the show...
can you imagine how BORING grey's anatomy would be without Burke and Cristina?
I only watch it becasue of Burke and Cristina..
January 24th, 2007 8:50 PM
I agree fran, she wasn't laughing. She was just happy and giddy from the win, and when IW made the statement she didn't see it has an attack on TR, just IW defending himself from the press. Those who dislike Isaiah saw it differently. But I'm through with it, I just wish IW well, so we can continue to enjoy him and Sandra on the show.
January 24th, 2007 8:36 PM
Isaiah take care and heal. Your fans will always be here for you.