Image Source: vagueonthehow, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What Was the Accusation?
Actor Isaiah Washington faced widespread criticism in 2006 and 2007 over his use of an anti-gay slur during a behind-the-scenes dispute involving members of the cast of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. The controversy began after an October 9, 2006 argument between Washington and co-star Patrick Dempsey. News reports alleged that Washington used the slur while referring to fellow cast member T.R. Knight, who was not directly involved in the argument. Washington initially apologized for his actions and what he called his “unfortunate use of words,” but he did not publicly confirm the characterization that the insult had been directed at Knight. Knight, who publicly disclosed that he was gay shortly after reports of the incident emerged, later said that Washington had used the word and that people on the set heard it.
The dispute escalated after Grey’s Anatomy won the Golden Globe for Best Television Series–Drama on January 15, 2007. During the backstage press conference, Washington took a microphone while questions were being asked about the October confrontation and explicitly repeated the slur while denying that he had called Knight that word. The remark drew immediate criticism from Knight, co-star Katherine Heigl, LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and ABC, which described Washington’s language as unacceptable. Washington then issued a more extensive apology to Knight, his colleagues, the show’s fans and the lesbian and gay community. He acknowledged the harm caused by the word, said he could not defend or explain his behavior and promised that his future actions would demonstrate his sincerity.
Washington subsequently began counseling, met with representatives of LGBTQ+ organizations and participated in a public service announcement about the harmful power of discriminatory language. In June 2007, ABC Television Studios declined to renew his contract for the following season of Grey’s Anatomy. Washington later maintained that the original October dispute had been misrepresented and that he had not used the slur as a description of Knight, while continuing to express regret for repeating the word at the Golden Globes. The case therefore involved both acknowledgment and corrective action as well as continuing disagreement over the circumstances and target of the original remark.
Key Apologia Strategies
Mortification, Corrective Action, Bolstering
Video
N/A
Transcript
Isaiah Washington’s Initial Statement Following the October 2006 On-Set Incident:
“I sincerely regret my actions and the unfortunate use of words during the recent incident on [the] set. Both are beneath my own personal standards … I have nothing but respect for my co-workers … and have apologized personally to everyone involved.”
Isaiah Washington’s Formal Apology Following the Golden Globe Awards (January 18, 2007):
“I apologize to T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show and especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance. By repeating the word Monday night, I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on “Grey’s Anatomy.” I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I’ve asked for help.
I know the power of words, especially those that demean. I realize that by using one filled with disrespect, I have hurt more than T.R. and my colleagues. With one word, I’ve hurt everyone who has struggled for the respect so many of us take for granted. I welcome the chance to meet with leaders of the gay and lesbian community to apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to heal the wounds I’ve opened.
T.R.’s courage throughout this entire episode speaks to his tremendous character. 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.”
“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.”
