Isaiah Washington Joins Catholic Priest Pedophilia Drama

Actor Isaiah Washington who generated negative publicity for ABC's hit drama "Grey's Anatomy" with his use of homophobic language will star in an indie film as a priest who returns to the Catholic high school where he was sexually abused.

Hollywood press reports the movie "The Least of These," which is budgeted for $1 million, will focus on the corruption of priests who do not speak out to protect abuse victims.

Scriptwriter and director Nathan Scoggins said he reached out to Washington because of an interview Washington gave in which he said he was no longer being offered roles in films because of fallout from the homophobic incident.

Scoggins, a campus church founder, is a former Christian singer-songwriter and nondenominational Christian worship leader, who said that his wife suggested Washington for the role.

Scoggins also noted he would ensure the movie is not perceived to link pedophilia to homosexuality.

"We focus exclusively on the corruption of other priests who choose not to step in and say something," he said.

"Isaiah's character stays razor focused on the situation and (on) not condemning a whole section of the population."

The month-long shooting begins in June in Los Angeles.

The screenplay won Scoggins the inaugural Art Within fellowship for screenwriters of faith last year.

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