Justice has finally been served!

Almost eight months after the first news of a Grey’s Anatomy on-set scuffle surfaced, Isaiah Washington has finally paid the price for his highly inappropriate actions. It was announced today that Washington, who plays Dr. Preston Burke on Grey’s Anatomy, will not be returning next season after ABC decided not to renew his contract.

The other person whose return was uncertain was T.R. Knight, who plays the adorable Dr. George O’Malley. Knight was the target of an on-set homophobic tirade by Washington in October. Washington later denied using the remarks, then used them again and finally admitted to using them and went to rehab (like everyone else in Hollywood).

Washington claims to have grown from the incident and filmed several Public Service Announcements regarding hate speech, but I never bought into his “transformation”. Just to prove how little he’s learned and that he still refuses to take full responsibility for his actions, Washington’s only response to his firing was “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.” Well, you wouldn’t even be in this position if you didn’t call T.R. Knight a faggot, so you entirely brought it on yourself and now you have to face the consequences.

I’m very glad to see T.R. Knight returning for another season. Not only does his character bring a great dynamic to the show, it’s also great to see an openly gay and proud actor on one of TV’s highest rated shows. Since the incident Knight, who seems rather shy and reserved, has really made an effort to step up and become an activist. Hopefully other closeted celebrities will look to Knight’s success and make their own decision to come out and serve as role models and activists for the gay community.