It’s official! After many speculations over Isaiah Washington’s possible departure on Grey’s Anatomy due to the massive cliffhanger of its third season finale, which aired on May 17, ABC and Washington’s representative finally confirmed the 43-year old actor’s exit from the popular medical drama.

Howard Bragman, Washington’s publicist, released a statement from the actor, which said, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more." This was referenced from a 1967 film entitled Network. Grey’s Anatomy’s cast was informed Thursday night of the Washington’s final decision.

According to an ABC Studios spokesperson, Washington’s contract option was not picked up but declined to disclose further details about the actor not being invited back on the show.

Washington’s previous gay slur incident involving T.R. Knight roused outrage from the network, gay rights groups and other Grey’s Anatomy cast members like Katherine Heigl. The unfortunate incident eventually prompted him to make an apology, seek treatment in a rehab and get involved with gay rights groups in releasing a public service announcement.

Despite the impact of his gay slur to the show, an insider believed that the decision to exclude Washington was only partially due to the homophobic incident. "There was a pattern of problematic behavior going back before he used the F-word," the insider said. "I imagine [his dismissal] was the result of all of that."

Grey’s Anatomy’s season three finale left fans hanging as it featured Washington’s character, Burke leaving Cristina (Sandra Oh) at the altar and moving out of their apartment. Additionally, Burke wasn’t the only character in question for return on the show. Knight’s character, Dr. O'Malley also left a cliffhanger as he emptied out his locker at Seattle Grace since he failed the end-of-year intern test. However, unlike Dr. Burke, Dr. O'Malley had been confirmed to return on the show.

-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist

Source: People, TV Guide

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