Actor Isaiah Washington of Grey's Anatomy fame is slated to appear in a public service announcement for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), as well as the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.

Last year, Washington touched off a firestorm of controversy when he twice-referred to Grey's Anatomy costar T. R. Knight as a "faggot". Washington reverted to type – à la Mel Gibson – and said that he had "asked for help..." in "...dealing with issues he obviously needs to examine within his own soul." 

Personally, I see a rather insincere pattern going on here – one in which celebrities and public persons du jour can exploit all-too convenient avenues like public service announcements and drug rehab in response to deep-seated bigotries made public. Indeed, Washington's PR 'work' on behalf of GLAAD and such parallels Michael Richards' rather disingenous apology on the Late Show with David Letterman following a Laugh Factory comedy club engagement last November; Richards 'apologized' for referring to one of two black hecklers as a "nigger", as well as other racist comments.

As I recently stated in response to the Don Imus controversy – I'm generally against people being fired for speaking their mind – no matter how bigoted. However, Isaiah Washington has largely enjoyed a carefree sail through controversy. He should be made to pay for his actions – spoken and otherwise – but not be given the all-too easy option of doing media appearances to lessen their impact.

It's not my place to question Isaiah Washington's sincerity in the matter – only he [Washington] can ever know that for certain. However, I feel doing public service announcements are only baby-steps to atonement.

Categories: Grey's Anatomy; Isaiah Washington; GLAAD; Michael Richards; T.R. Knight; Mel Gibson; gay; lesbian; homophobia

Today, Dreamgirls is officially released on DVD today. Bring home the Broadway-to-big screen musical that made Jennifer Hudson a star! Of course, Hudson followed in the footsteps of another Jennifer – Ms. Jennifer Holliday – who created the role of Effie White in the original Broadway production. The film also stars Hollywood heavyweights Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and Danny Glover, as well as singer Beyoncé Knowles and Tony Award-winning singer/actress Anika Noni Rose.

Dreamgirls is available in both widescreen and fullscreen viewing formats. Those interested in more extensive extras will no doubt love the extended two-disc "showstopper" edition. You can order all at Amazon. 

Categories: Dreamgirls; Bill Condon; Eddie Murphy; Jamie Foxx; Danny Glover; Beyonce Knowles; Jennifer Hudson; Jennifer Holliday; musical