ISAIAH WASHINGTON - WASHINGTON: 'I NEED HELP'

LATEST: GREY'S ANATOMY star ISAIAH WASHINGTON has accepted he needs help after "marring" his castmates' magical night at the Golden Globe Awards on Monday (15JAN07) by using the word "faggot" in a press conference. The actor grabbed the microphone in the press room, after picking up the Best TV Drama prize with his co-stars, and attempted to address ongoing reports about his on-set spat with fellow TV surgeon PATRICK DEMPSEY. Last October's (06) fight started after Washington called gay co-star TR KNIGHT a faggot, with Knight coming clean about his sexuality following the incident. At the Globes, Washington blurted out the 'f' word as he foolishly insisted he never used the derogatory term, calling it "vile". Knight has since appeared on US TV talk show ELLEN to confirm Washington did indeed refer to him as a faggot on the Grey's Anatomy set. Bosses at America's ABC network, which airs the show, have issued a statement criticising Washington for his Golden Globes gaffe, with Washington coming forward to further apologise for his comments. In a statement, released late yesterday (18JAN07) the actor, who played a gay man in SPIKE LEE's GET ON THE BUS, said, "I apologise to TR, 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 behaviour. "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 realise that, by using one filled with disrespect, I have hurt more than TR and my colleagues. With one word, I've hurt everyone who has struggled for the respect so many of us take for granted." Washington has accepted an invitation to meet with gay activists and hopes to talk to them about "what I can do to heal the wounds I've opened," adding "I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity." As WENN went to press, more than 9,000 Grey's Anatomy fans had signed an internet petition urging ABC bosses to fire Washington over his comments.