Shamed star of ABC's blockbuster medical series "Grey's Anatomy" returns to the set today after a week of rehabilitation and counseling for his anger management problem. Meanwhile, TV Guide has revealed what went on behind the closed doors of his meeting with representatives of GLAAD last week.
According to the magazine, Neil Guiliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said: "We had requested the meeting when we demanded that he apologize."
Guiliano says he felt "outrage" at Washington's homophobic slur uttered on the Grey's set in early October and directed at cast mate T.R. Knight.
During the meeting, the actor was "very calm, remorseful and very sincere" at the meeting, adds Guiliano. "He understood and apologized for the enormity of the hurt that he had caused."
The activists then bombarded the father of three with stats about the prevalence of anti-gay slurs in schools.
The group discussed all possible means by which Washington might make amends including a PSA on ABC, an idea that an ABC representative at the meeting seemed to be open to.
Washington also reportedly asked to do more than "just use the media" to spread the word, but also attend gay events because "people need to know Isaiah."
It has recently been suggested in the media that the reason Isaiah Washington used the anti-gay slur had more to do with the fact he was a "hothead" rather than a homophobe.
I personally do not see how Isaiah's inability to control his temper proves that he is not a homophobe. On the contrary, his outbursts have only helped expose his true colors.
And although he may actually feel remorseful as he faces a strong backlash from a significant portion of the American public (following his blatant, confident and foolish denials that he had actually used the slur in the first place), one needs to wonder to what extent is this regret influenced by the prospect of losing the most coveted role of his career?
The true test may come as Isaiah Washington returns to the set of "Grey's Anatomy" today and faces T.R. Knight, Katherine Heigl and other cast-mates for the first time since the day he had issued his second apology.
I really wish they'd just leave him alone. I mean he's apologized profusely and done all there really is to do to try and make it right. I know when I'm hotheaded things come out of my mouth I don't mean. Everyone can get to a point where petty and stupid stops are pulled. I don't know what happened, but if they condemn him for this they are no better then him.
ReplyDeleteI believe that if he is not comfortable with gays that's his choice, but he should not be crude. I'll admit I myself am sick of racism and homophob news being shoved down my throat everyday. Freedom of speech can hurt and he was wrong. I have my gay best friend Joey and he even is sick of hearing about it. Be the better person. Forgive him.
And seriously if it happens again then boot his butt. Then he'd deserve it. Just remember you are who you are and he is who he is and realize he's a great actor for this show.
Forgiveness. I think this world needs a lot more of that.