Ah, I love Thursday’s. And I used to get excited about “Must See TV”…but these day’s it’s all about A-B-C. Grey’s Anatomy AND Men in Trees? What could be better! (I swear, I do have a life)
Here is the promo for tonight’s Grey’s Anatomy. I might go watch it with Erin… she’s making THIS for dessert. I know, I’m easy.
Isaiah Washington’s Grey’s Anatomy castmates are keeping their distance as the disgraced actor battles his demons in rehab.
The star was a no-show at Sunday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards, where his castmates claimed a Best TV Ensemble, after checking into a treatment centre to address issues that reared up after he twice referred to gay co-star T.R. Knight as a “faggot”.
And while co-star Chandra Wilson offered her support to him during her Best Actress acceptance speech, other castmates weren’t quite so warm towards Washington.
Katherine Heigl, who suggested the actor shouldn’t be allowed to speak publicly after mentioning the ‘f’ word at a Golden Globe Awards backstage press conference earlier this month, was still chilly towards him.
Of his SAG Awards absence, she said, “As far as we know, he’s seeking treatment right now to help with some of his issues. We don’t know when he’ll be back, or for how long.”
After publicly apologising for his remarks, Washington checked into a residential treatment facility last week in a bid to keep his job on the medical drama, according to news reports in America.
The actor was the subject of a widely-publicized homophobic slur by a cast mate and he “is so upset about the situation and so disgusted by how it was all handled,” that he’s planning to leave the show, says a source.
“He was told not to say anything about the whole incident,” says the insider, referring to an on-set dust up in October when fellow cast member Isaiah Washington referred to Knight, who plays Dr. George O’Malley, with a derogatory word used to describe gay men.
“He kept his word, but then the whole thing blew up again at the Golden Globes, and when he was asked about it, he basically called Isaiah a liar,” says the source. “He feels that the atmosphere there is so toxic and unhealthy. I suppose things could change and we would stay, but for now, he’s planning to leave the show.”
When asked if Knight planned to leave the show, his spokeswoman told The Scoop: “We’re not commenting on that.” She later called back and said that the story was “Completely, one thousand percent false.” A rep for the network also called to add that “rumors of T. R. Knight’s departure from the show are irrefutably untrue.”
Perhaps bowing to mounting pressure, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes has uttered her first words regarding Isaiahgate via this just-released 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.
We appreciate the support the fans have always given our show, particularly during this stressful time. Creatively, we continue to strive to make the best television we can with the hope that our show reflects the talent, hard work and professionalism of our cast and crew.”
Coincidentally, Washington also put out a statement today, in which he essentially announces that he is, um, seeing a shrink:
“With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling. 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.”
Life & Style, meanwhile, claims Washington is also undergoing a psychological assessment at the urging of ABC.
Troubled Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington has fired his longtime publicist in the midst of his public relations crisis. Washington is facing a public backlash after making comments in the Golden Globes press room last week, denying he made derogatory comments towards co-star T.R. Knight.
According to TVGuide.com, the actor has hired publicists Allen Mayer and Kelly Mullens, who are crisis management experts. Mayer has done damage control for clients including R. Kelly, Tommy Lee and comedian Paula Poundstone.
Washington has issued a public apology and agreed to meet with members of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
