Katherine Heigl's Emmy Shunning Infuriates "Grey's" Producers

New York Times:

Writers and producers for the ABC hit "Grey's Anatomy" are fuming after one of the show's stars, Katherine Heigl, said this week that she had opted out of the Emmy race this year because she was not given good enough material to work with last season.

The remark has fueled speculation in Hollywood that Ms. Heigl, 29, wants out of her contract on the series. This is the second time in little over a year that a dispute between Ms. Heigl and the show's producers has spread beyond the studio soundstage.

The dispute has broader implications than just another celebrity tiff. "Grey's Anatomy" commands the highest rate for commercials of any series on television after "American Idol," making it one of ABC's most profitable programs.

Read the whole story: New York Times

Comments

[rini]

All she has done is withdraw from the Emmy's and speak out about her opinion. She was paid because she did her job. I don't think her contract included only saying nice things about the show. If it did, she would deal with the consequences.

I find the show manipulative and maudlin. It used to be a little smarter, but was never great. Something about it seemed to staged. The arbitrary nature and rhythms of real life were not included. If you want to know what happens next, think of the most emotional and shocking thing that could happen.

I think Scrubs captured the emotional reality of residency better, despite the surreal and ridiculous nature of the plots and characters.

[scottysbeam]

Do you think if you worked at Ford motor company it would be ok to go on a public campaign proclaiming "these cars are crap". I don't think so. As an employee you are there to make money for the employer, she's not exactly doing that. What she is doing is wrong.

[rini]

Actually, if someone at Ford did that, it would be cool. If you are doing your job, why should you have to do PR as well? Sure I would hope you liked what you did and believed in your company, but I would hope that your ideals would outweigh company loyalty.

Of course, if it gets really bad, it's time to move on. In addition, it is particularly awkward when your job is in the public eye.

I think she should quietly leave the show, with her dignity semi-intact. She doesn't seem to like the show anymore and she probably has more money and earning power than she needs to get by.

[conniedogs]

Wouldn't that be nice if someone at Ford stood up and told us the truth about those cheaply made cars that are often Found On Road Dead.

[rmetz74]

Absolutely. You might lose your job, and maybe she'll lose hers, but everyone has the right to speak their mind about their job. In fact, there are laws protecting "whistleblowers" who speak up about things like safety and corruption buy their employers. Without people speaking out against their employers, we wouldn't have known about Enron.

Now, this is obviously not that serious. But employees are not slaves to their employers. Individuals are allowed to say what they think in this country, including actors.

[phoenics]

Because the show has made so many concessions for her being in so many movies, I wonder if part of the reason why her content was less than stellar (ignoring the fact that it was horrible for ALL of the cast) is because she was barely there. She's been shooting movies mostly.

I just think she could have found a better way to express why she removed her name. I *suspect* that the reason she withdrew her name was because she didn't want to lose and also because she knew that she had been shooting so many movies that she was barely onset.

It's too bad she chose to bash the writing rather than come up with something more well thought out. But she's always had verbal diarrhea.

[rmetz74]

She didn't even "withdraw from the Emmy's". She simply decided not to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to get another one.

[OhComeOnNow]

Good for her!! The terrible scripts and minimal camera time were insulting. Her role has been diminished and she is just supposed to roll over and take it? I don't think so. The show commands the highest amount of advertising revenue and now the chickens have come home to roost. The bully producers can just go "be infuriated" for all I care. More actors and actresses could take a lesson.

You go, Katherine!!

[samandally]

Make her wash bed pans for the entire season, maybe that will humble her a little.

[Underthematrix]

Well, well, well. Anybody surprised. A couple of years ago, she inserted herself into a dispute between two of her co-workers. Now the material she's getting is not to her standard. Well Katherine did you keep the money they paid you for the alleged sub-standard material? I'm sure Americans who have lost their homes, their jobs, can't pay their utility or medical bills or can't afford the $5 a gallon gas would love to receive a donation. Of maybe you can help some of the 60,000 families living in a tent city in the Midwest.

I really hope the advertisers insist that ABC/Grey producers get rid of her.

[rosserfan]

Right on! I completely agree with you.

[Dustee]

No, I'd keep her on the show and just insert her into the script for up to 5 minutes per episode.

[OhComeOnNow]

There are no tent cities in the Midwest consisting of 60,000 families. Sheesh!

[walk0nwalls]

You know it's people like you that lead to immense amounts of tripe getting greenlit.

[rmetz74]

Do you have a job? Have you ever complained about it? Do you cash your paychecks?