Isaiah to get "treatment," Rhimes also issues statement

For those of you closely following the "Grey's Anatomy" situation involving Isaiah Washington's use of the word "faggot" toward fellow cast member T.R. Knight, it appears that ABC is giving the actor the opportunity to work on his issues and enter counseling. I imagine it is to deal with anger issues. Many already consider this to be a face-saving and job-saving measure and question the sincereity of it all. At any rate, these are the latest statements released around lunchtime:

STATEMENT FROM Isaiah Washington:
“With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling. I regard this as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again. I appreciate the fact that I have been given this opportunity and I remain committed to transforming my negative actions into positive results, personally and professionally.�

The wonderfully snarky site Defamer.com is referring to the treatment as "going to gayhab."

Statement from Shonda Rhimes, executive producer of Grey's Anatomy:
"I speak for all the executive producers here at Grey's Anatomy when I say that Isaiah Washington's use of such a disturbing word was a shocking and dismaying event that insulted not only gays and lesbians everywhere but anyone who has ever struggled for respect in a world that is not always accepting of difference.
We’ve been working within the Grey’s family as well as with ABC and Touchstone Television to address the issue in a way that underscores the gravity of the situation while giving us all a foundation for healing. We applaud and encourage Isaiah's realization that he needs help and his subsequent choice to seek immediate treatment for his behavioral issues.
We appreciate the support the fans have always given our show, particularly during this stressful time. Creatively, we continue to strive to make the best television we can with the hope that our show reflects the talent, hard work and professionalism of our cast and crew. "

AfterElton.com editor Michael Jensen, who has done some stellar reporting and commentary on this situation, weighed in with this comment today: "Hmm, I guess Ms. Rhimes was so shocked and dismayed she wasn’t able to speak for months on end. Well, she was able to speak up if it was to imply the media were making things up (hi, Shonda!) or to decry the idea that Washington could simply be replaced with another black actor (definitely an offensive notion). So what do you think of Ms. Rhimes’ statement? Too little, too late? Or thanks, let’s move on now?
BTW, anyone else think the troops in Iraq have a better chance of coming home before the Superbowl than Isaiah does of losing his job now?"