Actor dropped from hit TV show after using gay slur

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Actor Isaiah Washington has been dropped from hit US show Grey’s Anatomy after he called his co-star a faggot.

According to ABC Television studios, his contract has not been renewed.

In statement Washington, who plays Dr Preston Burke, said: “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.”

Those words are a quote from the 1976 film Network, but Washington did not elaborate further.

Washington, 43, was involved in a fight with his co-star Patrick Dempsey last year after he used a derogatory term about their co-star, T R Knight.

Washington has since received counselling and met with civil rights groups to discuss ways to address homophobia.

He apologised for his actions in October last year, and said: “I sincerely regret my actions and the unfortunate use of words during the recent incident on set.

“Both are beneath my own personal standards and do not reflect the great personal regard I have for my fellow cast mates and crew, whom I believe to be some of the most talented in the entertainment industry.

“I have nothing but respect for my co-workers, as people and artists, and have apologised personally to everyone involved.”