ABC Addresses Heigl Concerns; Isaiah Hires a Gay PR Specialist

ABC has released a statement addressing the rumors concerning Katherine Heigl's possible departure from its blockbuster series "Grey's Anatomy". Meanwhile, Isaiah Washington has hired a new PR specialist who happens to be gay and whose task is to help the troubled actor build a more positive image.

Here is what ABC had to say about the Katherine Heigl reports that appeared in the media today:

"Katherine is an integral part of Grey's Anatomy and its success. Fortunately, we have a long-term contract to ensure she'll be with the show for several years to come. In recognition of her tremendous talent and value to the show, we recently approached Katherine with an offer to raise her compensation significantly above the terms of her current contract. We were surprised to see this gesture reported negatively in the press, and want to reassure fans that she will continue as Izzie Stevens."

Meanwhile, TMZ reports that Heigl's co-star Isaiah Washington has signed with PR crisis expert Howard Bragman and his company, Fifteen Minutes.

Bragman is the man responsible for the wildly successful launch of out and gay NBA center John Amaechi's best-selling book, "Man in the Middle," which was the subject of a homophobic slur by NBA car wash owner Tim Hardaway.

Bragman released the following statement: "Our work with Isaiah is about his future - not the past. There is an important dialogue in our society about diversity that needs to happen, and Isaiah is uniquely positioned to be the catalyst for this."

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