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With his dream gig on the line, Isaiah Washington appears to have reassessed his position on not hiring a "great shiny publicist" to help him rehabilitate his now tarnished, no-longer-welcome-on- Atlantis-Cruise-Lines image. He released this mea culpa just moments ago:

"I apologize to T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show and especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance. By repeating the word Monday night, I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on Grey's Anatomy. I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I've asked for help.

I know the power of words, especially those that demean. I realize that by using one filled with disrespect I have hurt more than T.R. and my colleagues. With one word, I've hurt everyone who has struggled for the respect so many of us take for granted. I welcome the chance to meet with leaders of the gay and lesbian community to apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to heal the wounds I've opened.

T.R.'s courage throughout this entire episode speaks to his tremendous character. I hold his talent, and T.R. as a person, in high esteem. I know a mere apology will not end this, and I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity."

It remains to be seen whether it will be enough to save Washington's job, though there's no question that his skillful new publicist—one of the greatest and shiniest in all the land—has crafted an expert statement that manages to remain both humble and on-topic without ever once veering off into Richardsian incoherence with pledges to "do whatever it takes to jujitsu my way back into the hearts of the Faggo-American community."