<P> At the 64th Golden Globe Awards, while being interviewed on the red carpet, Washington joked, "I love gay . I wanted to be gay . Please let me be gay ." Later, Washington claimed he never used the slur, labeling it "vile". In June 2007, it was reported that the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and Shonda Rhimes had chosen not to renew Washington's contract with the show, not immediately specifying a reason . In a subsequent interview, Washington claimed that "they fired the wrong guy" (referring to Knight), and said he was considering filing a lawsuit as a result . He accused Knight of using the controversy to bolster his own career and increase his salary on Grey's Anatomy . </P> <P> On July 2, 2007, Washington appeared on Larry King Live, to present his side of the controversy . According to Washington, he never used the "F Word" in reference to Knight, but rather blurted it out in an unrelated context in the course of an argument "provoked" by Dempsey, who he felt was treating him like a "B - word", a "P - word", and the "F - word", which Washington said conveyed "somebody who is being weak and afraid to fight back". In 2009, Rhimes told Entertainment Weekly that she may not have handled the incident correctly, stating: "I wasn't interested in what anybody thought publicly . I was interested in what was going on right here on the ground...with the people I work with every day . Did I do it perfectly? Of course not . This is my first television show . It was a learning experience ." Knight said that Rhimes was among those for discouraging him to come out, however Rhimes said: "I remember saying (to fellow executive producer),' This is our proudest day here . T.R. got to come out and I got to say to him that it wouldn't affect his character' because he was concerned he was going to come out and George would suddenly be gay . (...) The idea that a gay actor can't play a straight man is insulting ." </P> <P> In December 2008, reports speculated that Knight requested to be released from his contract and that "they were working out the details" at that time . In June 2009, after the conclusion of the fifth season of Grey's Anatomy, it was confirmed that Knight would not be returning for the show's sixth season . The actor stated the reason for his departure was due to a "breakdown in communication" with Rhimes, O'Malley's lack of screen time, as well as his decision to be openly gay . Prior to the official announcement of his departure, there was speculation that the role of O'Malley would be recast, but Rhimes labeled it as a "hilarious, ridiculous rumor". After the confirmation of his exit, Knight told TV Guide: "Leaving Grey's Anatomy was not an easy decision for me to make . I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play this character and will miss my fellow cast and crew very much . I continue to wish them the very best, and wholeheartedly thank all of the fans who have supported me and the show with such passion and enthusiasm ." In a statement confirming Knight's departure, Rhimes said: "I think I speak for the entire Grey's Anatomy family when I say we wish T.R. Knight the best in his future endeavors . He is an incredibly talented actor and a person whose strength of character is admired by all of us ." </P> <P>--Rhimes on Knight's lack of screen time in season five </P>

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