Isaiah Washington Enters Treatment Facility
Thursday January 25, 2007
Life & Style Magazine has broken the news that Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington has entered a treatment facility in an effort to keep his job at ABC/Touchstone and deal with the behavioral issues that have made headlines for the past couple of weeks. Washington met with leaders from GLADD earlier this week, where members apparently walked away satisfied with the actor's apology and determination to resolve his psychological issues.
Shonda Rhimes, creator and EP of the hit series issued the following statement:
"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. We've been working within the Grey's family as well as with ABC and Touchstone Television 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."Let's hope this will finally create some harmony on the set so this wonderful series can finally get back to the business of making one of the best dramas on television.
(Photo of Isaiah Washington © 2007 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc./Bob D'Amico)
Comments
I think they are going a bit overboard regarding Isaiah Washington’s comment. I am not excusing his behavior however, what makes a person need mental help for referring to someone as a faggot. Did Michael Richards seek help for his defiant attack on African Americans, don’t think he did! I think Isaiah Washington believes admitting he has a problem is absurd, but needed, in order to keep his role on the show. I highly doubt using words that are offensive to people means you are mentally unstable maybe uncaring to peoples feelings.
I guess Shonda Rhimes remarks are fine, I think they are a little too late. I for one take offense to her remark that Isiah Washington should not be replaced. She said it was offensive to suggest one black man can be replaced by another black man. I say get over yourself and stay off the race wagon. I can remember at least 3 white actors that were just replaced, Darren from Bewitched, Fallon on Dynasty, and Becky on Rosanne. Shonda I think it would be okay to replace a bigot, that is of course if you are now admitting to yourself and the public that he is a bigot.
wil
I would like to say what know one else has had the courage to say. Mr. Washington, should be the last person that would use any type of slur againest another person. Unless I’m blind he is a Black Man, and I am also sure that he has at sometime in his life been a victim himself of a racial slur. Or known that he was treated differently or did not get a job because of his color. All he should do is remember how he felt at those moments! He has not had a Denzel Washington type of career, maybe the success of the show has went to his head. I can say this because I’ve been “Black” all of my life. And though no fault of my own I have been the victim of prejudice. So I try and think about that before I speak. Plus he has to also be just plain stupid! There’s such a large majority of the LGBT comumnity working in the television industry. He is really trying to burn any bridge’s he has built!