Actor Washington files complaint over "Anatomy"
By Leslie Simmons
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Isaiah Washington has filed a complaint with the Screen Actors Guild over ABC's use of his picture in an episode of "Grey's Anatomy."
The mug of Washington's Dr. Preston Burke was featured in a "newspaper article" about the character receiving a prestigious surgeon's award in an episode that first aired May 9.
But Washington, who left the show in 2007 amid controversy over his allegedly referring to castmate T.R. Knight with a homophobic slur, claims the producers failed to get consent for the use of the picture.
His attorney, Peter Nelson, sent notices to ABC and SAG indicating the alleged inappropriate use of Washington's image, the actor's manager, Howard Bragman, said.
"They have the rights of the character to advance the story, but not the image," he said, adding that what he expects for his client is a "financial settlement."
Nelson declined to comment on the issue, except to say that he first became aware of the picture's use while watching the NBA playoffs, when he saw a promo for the show that included the faux news stories.
ABC, which produces the show, had not comment.
Washington is currently filming the feature "Patriots" in New Orleans with Forest Whitaker for the Weinstein Co.
Claims made with SAG are not public record.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
