ISAIAH WASHINGTON FIRES PUBLICIST: Plus, Shonda Rhimes is now being criticized for being too passive

The Saga continues: The latest news in the debacle, reports TV Guide, is Washington’s dismissal of his longtime publicist Cynthia Snyder and hiring of Allen Mayer and Kelly Mullens, who reportedly specialize in crisis management. Mayer has put out fires for the likes of R. Kelly, Tommy Lee and Paula Poundstone, reports TMZ. Meanwhile, a number of TV critics and gay media Web sites are calling on ABC to fire the “Grey’s Anatomy” star for using the word “faggot” in reference to gay co-star T.R. Knight, reports the Los Angeles Times. Activist groups are also wondering aloud why the show’s African American creator, Shonda Rhimes, has not done more to diffuse the situation. "Thanks for the apology, Isaiah (still waiting for yours ABC and Ms.Rhimes), but it's too little, too late," wrote Michael Jensen for Afterelton.com, a gay media website. "As for ABC, what are these people thinking? Why haven't they fired this joker as of yesterday?" As previously reported, an online petition was created last week in support of Washington being axed for his actions (Access it here.) Inevitably, another online petition has been launched in an effort to keep the actor in his role as Dr. Preston Burke. (Access it here.) The controversy didn’t seem to hurt the ratings of “Grey’s Anatomy,” as Thursday’s episode – with several poignant scenes between Dr. Burke and Knight’s character Dr. George O’Malley – drew 21.9 million viewers to narrowly beat out CBS’ “CSI” (21.3 million). On Thursday, ABC issued a statement declaring its "great dismay" over Washington's "inappropriate language" and adding that the actor's "actions are unacceptable and are being addressed."