US TV
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Fired Grey's Anatomy actor Isaiah Washington has broken his silence over being let go by the show in spectacular fashion - by saying ABC "fired the wrong guy" and adding that he is considering filing a lawsuit.
Washington was informed on June 7 that he would not be returning for season four of Grey's. It is understood that series creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes personally put in a call to deliver the news.
Washington's future on the show had been thrown into doubt after his on-screen character fled Seattle - home of Seattle Grace Hospital, where the medical drama is set - in the season three finale. However, his involvement with the show was questioned far earlier - in January, Washington grabbed a microphone backstage at the Golden Globes to say that he had not used the anti-gay slur "f*ggot" in reference to fellow cast member T.R. Knight. Knight then went on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show and said that he is gay and that Washington did use the word in reference to him back in October 2006. Shortly after that - and especially after fellow cast members rallied around Knight - Washington apologised and began making very public contacts with gay rights groups.
"I did everything I said I would do," Washington told the Houston Chronicle, his hometown newspaper, yesterday. "I offered to go to counselling, to do a public service announcement. I wanted everyone to know I was remorseful.
"I did everything they told me to do, including not saying anything, and then they didn't renew my contract. That's not fair."
He went on to accuse T.R. Knight of telling a lie in his interview with DeGeneres.
"I used the word during a disagreement with Patrick [Dempsey, fellow Grey's co-star]," he said by way of denying that he had directed the word specifically to Knight.
"My livelihood, my honour and dignity and my name have been so challenged," he added in a possible indication that he is considering legal action.
"I have to clear my name."
Washington was informed on June 7 that he would not be returning for season four of Grey's. It is understood that series creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes personally put in a call to deliver the news.
Washington's future on the show had been thrown into doubt after his on-screen character fled Seattle - home of Seattle Grace Hospital, where the medical drama is set - in the season three finale. However, his involvement with the show was questioned far earlier - in January, Washington grabbed a microphone backstage at the Golden Globes to say that he had not used the anti-gay slur "f*ggot" in reference to fellow cast member T.R. Knight. Knight then went on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show and said that he is gay and that Washington did use the word in reference to him back in October 2006. Shortly after that - and especially after fellow cast members rallied around Knight - Washington apologised and began making very public contacts with gay rights groups.
"I did everything I said I would do," Washington told the Houston Chronicle, his hometown newspaper, yesterday. "I offered to go to counselling, to do a public service announcement. I wanted everyone to know I was remorseful.
"I did everything they told me to do, including not saying anything, and then they didn't renew my contract. That's not fair."
He went on to accuse T.R. Knight of telling a lie in his interview with DeGeneres.
"I used the word during a disagreement with Patrick [Dempsey, fellow Grey's co-star]," he said by way of denying that he had directed the word specifically to Knight.
"My livelihood, my honour and dignity and my name have been so challenged," he added in a possible indication that he is considering legal action.
"I have to clear my name."
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