Laura Ann Tull Blasts ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Eric Dane as ‘Bully’ After His Tragic Death

Industry backlash intensifies today after former “Grey’s Anatomy” extra Laura Ann Tull doubled-down on explosive social-media posts labeling the late Eric Dane a “bully” who allegedly derailed her Hollywood career. Tull ignited controversy on Threads hours after Variety confirmed Dane’s 19 February death from ALS, writing that the actor “was a bully and an a-hole” and asserting, without evidence, “I am why he was fired from ‘Grey’s’.” Screenshots of her comments quickly went viral, triggering thousands of replies from outraged fans and fellow performers. In a detailed follow-up thread captured by Complex, the background performer claimed Dane mocked her during the three seasons she says she worked on the ABC hit, stating he “abused me, bullied me, made fun of me,” and alleging she called Shonda Rhimes’ office weeks before producers cut Dane’s contract in 2012. Industry records, however, attribute Dane’s departure to budget and creative changes tied to the show’s eighth-season finale, while the actor later cited personal issues but not misconduct as a factor. Fan pushback mounts Grey Sloan devotees quickly questioned Tull’s résumé, noting her IMDb page lists no appearance on the medical drama. “I’ve watched ‘Grey’s’ from start to finish so many times… I’ve never seen you,” one longtime viewer wrote, echoing dozens of similar comments that accused Tull of chasing “two minutes of fame.” The torrent of criticism prompted the performer to defend herself, insisting background artists are rarely credited and reiterating claims first published in her 2018 Medium essay describing hostile set conditions. Calls for compassion vs. free speech Critics argue that blasting a recently deceased star who cannot respond crosses an ethical line, particularly when Dane’s family—including daughters Billie and Georgia—are still in mourning. Supporters of Tull counter that Hollywood’s power dynamics often silence extras and crew members; they view her timing as an uncomfortable but necessary spotlight on alleged on-set bullying. SAG-AFTRA has not commented on the dispute, and no formal complaint against Dane is publicly documented. Legacy of “McSteamy” Eric Dane, 53, rocketed to international fame as Dr. Mark Sloan—nicknamed “McSteamy”—during his six-season run on “Grey’s Anatomy,” later earning a new generation of fans as Cal Jacobs on HBO’s “Euphoria.” In April 2025, the actor revealed his ALS diagnosis, becoming an advocate for research funding before passing last week surrounded by loved ones. Tributes from co-stars Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey and showrunner Shonda Rhimes hailed him as “generous, hilarious and larger than life.” What’s next for Laura Ann Tull? Tull, a former attorney who transitioned to acting in the early 2000s, says she is drafting a memoir chronicling her time on set and broader struggles with workplace harassment. She also told followers she is considering legal action to obtain what she calls “lost wages and damages” tied to industry blacklisting. Entertainment lawyers note that defamation challenges could arise if estates or studios feel her statements harm Dane’s posthumous reputation, though First Amendment protections for opinion remain strong. Impact on “Grey’s Anatomy” brand ABC declined to comment, but marketing analysts say the dust-up arrives just as the network promotes Season 22, Meredith Grey’s first full year back at Grey Sloan after a season-long hiatus. While social-media controversy rarely dampens long-running ratings juggernauts, executives will watch sentiment closely to protect a franchise that still delivers top-five streaming numbers on both Hulu and Netflix syndication. SEO takeaway The Laura Ann Tull–Eric Dane saga underscores how quickly unverified set rumors can dominate entertainment headlines, especially when linked to beloved properties like “Grey’s Anatomy.” Whether Tull can produce corroborating evidence—or whether the internet will relegate her claims to footnote status—remains to be seen, but the conversation spotlights Hollywood’s ongoing reckoning with workplace culture long after the cameras stop rolling.