Isaiah Enters Treatment
Isaiah Washington is moving on to the next step in the healing process.
The Grey's Anatomy star has entered a treatment program in an attempt to make amends for the gay slur that rocked the Golden Globes, sources confirm to E! Online.
"With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling," the actor said in a statement Wednesday. "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."
Washington reportedly agreed to undergo a psychological assessment after a discussion with ABC executives regarding his backstage outburst at the awards show, where he denied that he had referred to his costar T.R. Knight as a "faggot."
"I speak for all the executive producers here at Grey's Anatomy when I say that Isaiah Washington's use of such a disturbing word was a shocking and dismaying event that insulted not only gays and lesbians everywhere but anyone who has ever struggled for respect in a world that is not always accepting of difference," show creator Shonda Rhimes said in a statement Wednesday.
"We've been working within the Grey's family as well as with ABC and Touchstone to address the issue in a way that underscores the gravity of the situation while giving us all a foundation for healing. We applaud and encourage Isaiah's realization that he needs help and his subsequent choice to seek immediate treatment for his behavioral issues."
Last week, Washington issued a public apology, stating he could "no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I've asked for help."
His decision to enter treatment may be directly related to his future on Grey's Anatomy. Under Disney's corporate nondiscrimination policy, his outburst could have been considered grounds for dismissal, an option that network executives were seriously considering, according to E! Online TV Columnist Kristin Veitch.
The actor also met with gay leaders this week to determine ways in which he might be able to educate others about the dangers of name-calling.
Both the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network commended Washington's determination to make amends for his actions.
"We welcome the opportunity to work with him in the coming months to help improve the cultural climate faced by LGBT people across this country," GLAAD President Neil Giuliano said Monday.
Giuliano also praised Washington's decision to enter treatment.
"We are pleased to see him seeking help to deal with the issues he alluded to in his public statement last week."
The Grey's controversy began in October, when it was reported that Washington and costar Patrick Dempsey got into a heated dispute after Washington referred to Knight as a "faggot." As a result of the incident, Knight decided to publicly acknowledge that he was gay.
The unsavory episode was revisited at the Golden Globes, when E! Online Gossip Guru Ted Casablanca asked the cast whether they had moved past the dustup, leading Washington to deny that he had ever used the F-word in connection with Knight.
In response, Knight sat down with Ellen DeGeneres to confirm that Washington had indeed referred to him as a faggot, and that "everyone heard it."
Washington acknowledged as much in his public apology and commended his costar's strength.
"T.R.'s courage throughout this entire episode speaks to his tremendous character," Washington said last week. "I hold his talent, and T.R. as a person, in high esteem. I know a mere apology will not end this, and I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity."
Apparently, he meant what he said.
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