ABC says "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington used "inappropriate language" at the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills, Calif., and it is "being addressed."

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Series co-star T.R. Knight told Ellen DeGeneres this week he went public about his homosexuality after he overheard Washington call him a faggot in October during a conversation with another actor on the show.

At the Golden Globe awards, a reporter asked Washington about the matter.

"No, I did not call T.R. a faggot," said Washington. "Never happened, never happened."

ABC issued a statement Thursday to the TV show "Extra," reinforcing the network's policy of maintaining "respectful workplaces" for its employees.

"We dealt with the original situation in October, and thought the issue resolved," the statement read. "Therefore, we are greatly dismayed that Mr. Washington chose to use such inappropriate language at the Golden Globes, language that he himself deemed 'unfortunate' in his previous public apology. We take this situation very seriously. His actions are unacceptable and are being addressed."

TV Guide Consulting Editor Mary Murphy told "Extra" ABC might have no choice but to fire Washington.

"He's already been marginalized," she said, "and I'm sure he's very angry about that."