In light of Thursday evening's mea culpa from Isaiah Washington, GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano has released the following:

"We are encouraged by Isaiah Washington's statement, and optimistic that it may mark a turning point in this deeply troubling situation. His acknowledgement of his actions - and of the hurt and harm his actions have caused - is an important first step toward healing his relationships with his cast mates, his fans, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

"Mr. Washington has scheduled a meeting with us for early next week" - likely Monday, TVGuide.com has learned - "and we look forward to exploring opportunities for moving forward together and healing some of the wounds of the past four months."

Next stop for Mr. Washington: Waxing regretful for Barbara? Diane? Oprah?

Menounos?

In related news, the Ausiello Report has out actor Neil Patrick Harris' reaction to the entire brouhaha.