In the wake of much criticism and speculation from the media and TV viewers alike, Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington has apologized for remarks he made during an on-set altercation with co-star Patrick Dempsey.
People magazine is reporting that Washington issued a statement after reports quoted the 43-year-old actor as using a homophobic slur during his argument with Dempsey. “I sincerely regret my actions and the unfortunate use of words during the recent incident on-set,” he said. “Both are beneath my own personal standards. … I have nothing but respect for my coworkers … and have apologized personally to everyone involved.”
On Oct. 19, 10 days after Washington’s remarks were made, fellow Grey’s star T.R. Knight, 33, confirmed that he is gay. “I’d like to quiet any unnecessary rumors that may be out there," Knight told People.
The argument between Washington and Dempsey allegedly began when the actors were waiting to start shooting a scene for which Knight was also supposed to be present, but the actors disagreed on whether to begin the scene without him or wait it out. According to a source, when Dempsey insisted the crew hold on for Knight, the slur was used. Knight was not present at that time.
However, show runner Shonda Rhimes affirms that the mood on the Grey’s set remains the same as is has always been, and is eager to squash the rumor that Washington is being fired. “The mood’s what the mood’s always been,” Rhimes says. “We have a group of people who are more of a family than anything else. We have our fun days, and we have our days when people are tired and the work is hard.”
As for the relationship between Washington and Dempsey, Rhimes tells People that the two actors recently filmed a scene together. She also adds that Washington and Knight have patched things up. “The whole affair was four and a half seconds of one day in three years. I feel like we’ve already moved on.”
