Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington has
publicly apologized for his behavior during an on-set
scuffle with costar Patrick Dempsey. ''I sincerely
regret my actions and the unfortunate use of words
during the recent incident on set,'' the 43-year-old actor
said in a statement to People magazine. ''Both
are beneath my own personal standards.... I have
nothing but respect for my coworkers...and have
apologized personally to everyone involved.''
The magazine, citing a source on the set,
reported Wednesday on its Web site that when T.R.
Knight was late to film a scene, a debate ensued
between Dempsey and Washington, with Dempsey insisting on
waiting for Knight. The argument quickly intensified,
and an alleged homophobic slur was used, but Knight
wasn't present.
Washington plays Dr. Preston Burke, and Dempsey,
40, plays Dr. Derek Shepherd, on the ABC drama.
Knight, 33, plays an intern, Dr. George O'Malley.
''Differences are inevitable,'' Washington's
publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said in a recent statement.
''They were aired, resolved, and everyone has moved on.''
The clash occurred October 9. Knight revealed
October 19 that he is gay.
''I guess there have been a few questions about
my sexuality, and I'd like to quiet any unnecessary
rumors that may be out there,'' Knight said in a
statement. ''I hope the fact that I'm gay isn't the most
interesting part of me.''
Shonda Rhimes, creator of the show, is
downplaying the incident. It ''was 4 1/2 seconds of
one day in three years,'' she told People. ''I feel
like we've already moved on.'' (AP)