The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has been mum on the months-long controversy involving "Grey's Anatomy" co-stars Isaiaih Washington and T.R. Knight, a controversy Washington reignited backstage at the Golden Globe Awards Monday by denying that he ever called Knight a "faggot" as has been widely reported. Now that Knight himself has confirmed the incident with an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," GLAAD Executive Director Neil Guiliano states the following:

“When Isaiah Washington uses this kind of anti-gay slur–whether on set or in front of the press–it does more than create a hostile environment for his castmates and the crew of Grey’s Anatomy,� Giuliano said .�It also feeds a climate of hatred and intolerance that contributes to putting our community in harm’s way.�

“As Ellen pointed out in her discussion with T.R., this is a word that’s used to abuse kids on school playgrounds,� Giuliano said. “We also know that, tragically, this sometimes can be the last word people hear before they’re attacked, beaten and possibly even killed. Washington’s repeated use of it on-set and in the media is simply inexcusable.�

Giuliano said that GLAAD is contacting Washington’s representatives today to arrange a meeting with him. “We want to sit down with him and give him an opportunity to raise public awareness about the destructive impact of these kinds of anti-gay slurs. Over the past four months Washington has become part of a significant problem of anti-gay prejudice in this country. He has an opportunity now to be part of the solution."

Somehow, I don't see Washington showing up for any meetings with GLAAD anytime soon unless his job is threatened.