LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Actor Isaiah Washington has entered a treatment program as part of an effort to atone for a gay slur against a "Grey's Anatomy" co-star in Hollywood.
"With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling," the actor said in a statement Wednesday. "I regard this as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again."
Washington reportedly agreed to undergo a psychological assessment following discussions with ABC executives about his denial at the Golden Globe awards that he had called co-star T.R. Knight a "faggot," Eonline.com said.
"Grey's" creator Shonda Rhimes said in a statement that Washington's use of "such a disturbing word" insulted gays and lesbians and "anyone who has ever struggled for respect in a world that is not always accepting of difference."
Washington publicly apologized, saying he could he could no longer deny that he had issues he needed to face.
His decision to enter treatment may directly relate to his future on "Grey's Anatomy," Eonline.com said. The Walt Disney Co., ABC's parent company, has a corporate nondiscrimination policy that could provide for dismissing the actor from the show, Eonline.com said.
