In the wake of the latest Katherine Heigl controversy, two former Grey's Anatomy co-stars are going on the record with Entertainment Tonight about the actress' decision to remove her name from Emmy contention.

A winner just last year, Heigl said she did not submit her name for the awards because of material she didn't feel was worthy of consideration.

Not surprisingly, the show's writers take issue.

Former co-star Isaiah Washington is no stranger to controversy himself. In fact, he removed himself from Emmy consideration after the firestorm of criticism following his alleged remarks about co-star T.R. Knight.

Washington spoke candidly about Heigl's situation to ET.

"It's unfortunate that what is happening is happening. I understand both sides, I was there. I know exactly where everyone's coming from," he said.

Isaiah Washington said he called Grey's Anatomy creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes as soon as he heard that the news broke.

"I've reached out and said, look, whatever I can do to help out, I'm open to it," he said.

Meanwhile, Kate Walsh, who appeared on an episode of Grey's Anatomy this spring and is the star of its spin-off, Private Practice, didn't address Heigl directly, but had praise for the writers on her current show.

"All I know is I think that they're, it's an amazing show and amazing writers, and I love going to work everyday," Walsh said.

Katherine Heigl (seen below vacationing with husband Josh Kelley in Mexico) is expected back when Grey's Anatomy returns to production June 25.

Despite widespread rumors that the actress wants to leave the hit show, she has never made a comment to that effect publicly. Stay tuned.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.