Ex-'Grey's Anatomy' doctor to return to the show after being fired due to homophobic comments

Isaiah Washington or more popularly known as Dr. Burke on the ABC medical drama, Grey's Anatomy, will be returning on the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Washington will come back to the show but only as a guest star for an episode this coming May. He was fired in 2007 following an on-set clash and anti-gay remarks directed at his co-star, T.R. Knight. Knight was still not 'out' during this time.

The show's creator, Shonda Rhimes, released a statement: "It's important to me that Cristina's journey unfolds exactly as it should. Burke is vital to that journey - he gives her story that full-circle moment we need to properly say goodbye to our beloved Cristina Yang."

Yang, who is played by actress, Sandra Oh was at one point engaged to Washington and the two were supposed to get married. Oh will be leaving the show following the end of its 10th season in May.

Following Washington's anti-gay slur aimed at T.R. Knight, he was once again under the gay-dar at the 2007 Golden Globes when he denied using the slur but then repeated it in an interview. He later apologized and created a public service announcement, according to USA Today.

In his apology, Washington admitted that his behavior was "unacceptable in any context." He also commended Knight for his courage after he was forced to come out.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in October, Rhimes shared that the aftermath of their decision to let Washington go was really difficult. She said: "It was hard for me to write the show. Seasons four and five were difficult because I was in a dark place after the press frenzy that descended on us because of the Washington and Knight situation and critical backlash to the stories."

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