Embattled star Isaiah Washington is scheduled to return to the Grey's Anatomy set as early as Thursday for the first time since entering counseling after making a homophobic slur, People reports.
Isaiah Washington, who plays Dr. Preston Burke, has not been on the set since January 23, the day before he issued a statement saying he would seek counseling "as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again."
He also missed picking up a trophy at Sunday's Screen Actors Guild Awards that honored the Grey's Anatomy cast.
Best actress winner Chandra Wilson alluded to his absence, saying in her acceptance speech, "It's about the 10 cast members sitting over there and the other one in rehab."
A source familiar with the Grey's Anatomy production schedule tells People that Washington has confirmed he'll arrive for his next call time, now set for Thursday, although the show's production schedule changes.
Washington has been at the center of controversy since using a homophobic slur in reference to T.R. Knight, who is gay. After a firestorm of criticism, Washington issued an apology, then on January 23 announced he had entered counseling.
"I appreciate the fact that I have been given this opportunity and am committed to transforming my actions into positive results, personally and professionally," said the 43-year-old acto, who has also met with leaders of the gay community in an attempt to rectify his actions.
While we don't know anything for sure, this is a good indication that ABC believes - as many fans and columnists have opined - that Grey's Anatomy and its cast will survive the controversy and remain intact.
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23 Comments
January 31st, 2007 11:43 AM
Welcome news to us Burke fans
January 31st, 2007 12:09 PM
Great to hear this news.......welcome back, Isaiah!
January 31st, 2007 2:54 PM
The show would be much better off IF Isaiah Washington would be fired. How dare he be allowed to say the things he has said, in public no less and still be allowed to remain on the show? Once a homophob and a biggot, always a homophob and a biggot - no amount of "help" will make him any better. He has been a very poor part of the show, his arrogance and Casper Milktoast attitude adds nothing to the cast or the storyline. Even on TV as himself, he is boring, whimpish and adds nothing to the conversation. How dare he be allowed to continue to be a part of this excellent and wonderful cast. GET RID OF HIM and find someone who could fill that spot who would enjoy being a part of this show and would add much more light to the cast and crew.
January 31st, 2007 3:58 PM
Thank goodness. I really hope that this is a positive sign that the parties involved are able to move past this. Isaiah has stated many times in both live interviews and in print that he loves being on this show, is honored to be working with these people, and very much likes and appreciates his castmates. This incident should be seen for what it was, a word spoken in anger not intended to hurt anyone including his castmate who overheard the remark. As one columnist put it talent is not universal and his loss would have greatly damaged the show. For those of us who are fans, no one else could play Preston Burke and his loss would have been devastating. I hope that this is an indication that ABC/Touchstone has a clearer head and a more forgiving heart than some of the fans who have spewed a never ending stream of vindictiveness and hatefulness at Isaiah. Good luck to all of the members of the cast.
January 31st, 2007 5:16 PM
ok, so once a homophob, always a homophob..
once a faggot, always a faggot, see the connection???
!!!!
so what if he called him a faggot, DEAL WITH THIS among themselves..don't make a public splash out of it...
As a woman of color, I fully recognize what my constitution rights entail. However, I don't have a problem with those who choose not to respect me and call my names...because that is THEIR problem, not mine. My confidence and self-esteem remains intact regardless.
Look, this thing has been going on for too long. I think KH, IW and TR should all just shut the hell up and do a good job....
heck, maybe it is all a publicity stunt...as they say , no publicity is BAD publicity...
January 31st, 2007 5:53 PM
The show would just go downhill if he got fired... people make mistakes, everyone does it... it just like if someone entered rehab for drinking, they can change and learn from their ways... i am glad he is comming back to the show, i think he will change for the better. This i think will make it better, and make them closer
January 31st, 2007 7:58 PM
I am a huge fan of IW, and am so thrilled that IW is back, not only because I couldn't imagine him not being without Cristina, or not being able to watch the phenomenal acting skills of IW and SO, but I feel that people should be given chances, chances to right what was wrong.
February 1st, 2007 8:47 AM
In my opinion... firing IW for being a homophobe would be like firing TRK for being gay. I don't agree with what he said, but he's taking steps to make ammends which is a lot more than some people would do. Hopefully he can work through the issues he has and come out a better person in the end.
February 1st, 2007 9:18 AM
YAY!!!! Burke is back! Thanks to everyone who supported Isaiah Washington during this difficult time. I do agree with the "K's"....Katie, Kerry, and Karen. And just to let y'all know...I hope Katherine is happy because her little immature comments landed her in InTouch Weekly. Like Karen said...no publicity is BAD publicity. I would call Ms. Katherine out of her name, but I would not want to too critizied for my thoughts and opinions and have to go to rehab for it!
February 1st, 2007 10:52 AM
I think people need to stop getting thier feeling hurts. I say welcome back Dr. Burke. The gay community is so dramatic.