Isaiah Washington Off of 'Grey's Anatomy'

Washington: 'I'm Mad as Hell and I'm Not Going to Take It Anymore.'

ABC Television Studios announced Friday morning that Isaiah Washington's contract will not be renewed for next season – in other words, he's been fired.

“Grey's Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes called Isaiah this morning and informed him of the decision.

TV Guide reported that the decision was made based on “a pattern of problematic behavior.”

Several months ago, Isaiah created a firestorm of controversy when he allegedly used an anti-gay slur to describe fellow castmate T.R. Knight.

Then, at the Golden Globe Awards in January, he said the same thing backstage when trying to deny he'd said it in the first place.

“Grey's” star Katherine Heigl, who describes T.R. as one of her “best friends,” was furious at Isaiah, and she let him know it.

Gay rights groups, and Heigl herself, immediately demanded an apology from Isaiah.

Since then, Isaiah has tried to make amends, seeking therapy, meeting with officials from gay rights groups, and even filming a public service announcement in which he said “words have power” to hurt or heal.

But after he made the comment, it seemed the damage was irreparable.

Last month's “Grey's” finale opened the door for Isaiah to leave – and not come back – after his character's marriage to Dr. Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) was delayed, and he cleaned out their apartment.

Today, Isaiah released a statement, saying, “I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.”