Grey's Anatomy star apologises for on-set confrontation

Isaiah Washington and Patrick Dempsey.

Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington, or Dr. Preston Burke, has released a statement apologising for his behaviour during a confrontation with co-star Patrick Dempsey aka Dr. Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd.

"I sincerely regret my actions and the unfortunate use of words during the recent incident on-set," said 43-year-old Washington in the statement to People magazine.

"Both are beneath my own personal standards. I have nothing but respect for my co-workers and have apologised personally to everyone involved."

Washington and Dempsey exchanged heated words earlier this month after a fellow actor T. R. Knight, who plays George O'Malley, arrived late for filming.

Following the incidents, reports surfaced that Washington had used a homophobic slur against Knight, who recently released a public statement confirming he is gay.

However, reports that the fracas has created an uncomfortable environment on set are not ture, according to show creator Shona Rhimes.

"The mood's what the mood's always been," she told People.

"We have a group of people who are more of a family than anything else. We have our fun days, and we have our days when people are tired and the work is hard."

During a recent appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Katherine Heigl, who plays Izzie Stevens also downplayed the incident.

"There was a little burst of testosterone in the room, and then within five minutes ... they were totally fine."

Rhimes confirmed Washington and Dempsey were still talking and working together, and said reports that Washington may be replaced by another actor were completely false.

- NZHERALD STAFF