Celebrity4 min(s) read
Grey’s Anatomy actor slammed for calling co-star Eric Dane a ‘bully’ after actor died aged 53
A Grey’s Anatomy actor has been criticized for calling her late co-star Eric Dane a “bully” following his death at the age of 53.
Dane, best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on the medical drama and Cal Jacobs on HBO Max’s Euphoria, passed away on February 19 after “a courageous battle with ALS”.
In the days after his passing, Grey’s Anatomy extra Laura Ann Tull launched a scathing rant on Threads, calling the late star a “coward”, a “jerk”, and a “narcissist” who allegedly “abused” her on set, per Complex.
She also made a bombshell claim about his departure from the long-running show. “I am why he was fired from Grey’s,” she wrote. “I called [Shonda] Rhimes’ assistant two weeks before they announced his termination. Rhimes I doubt will ever admit that.”
Laura Ann Tull Sparks Backlash
Tull’s comments quickly drew outrage online, with many accusing her of attacking someone who could no longer defend himself.
One social media user questioned “the point” of her callout, writing: "Attacking someone after they die of a horrific disease and they cannot defend themselves just smacks of indecency towards his family.
"Even if every word you say is true now is not the time to say it. I hope his daughters never see the vitriol you are spewing," they added.
Another critic labeled Tull an “attention seeker” chasing her “two minutes of fame.”
Others cast doubt on her claims entirely and noted that her appearance on the show does not seem to be listed on her IMDB page.
One diehard fan said: “I have watched Greys Anatomy from start to finish so many times... I’ve never seen you in my life. Ever.”
Tull Doubles Down
Despite the backlash, the actress defended her decision to speak out and insisted that Dane's “dying doesn’t change [the] destruction he caused”.
She also pointed out that she first made allegations in a Medium essay, published in June 2018, in which she wrote that Dane called her “weird,” according to an email she said she received from “[Arne] Starr, an elected representative of Sag Aftra.”
The former lawyer alleged: "I worked on set of Grey’s Anatomy for three years as an extra, but I never spoke to Dane once directly... But I did hear him talk about me.”
She also drew Patrick Dempsey into the situation, claiming the 60-year-old “also seemed to comment about” her.
While controversy swirled online, Dane’s loved ones shared an emotional statement confirming his death.
"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," it read.
"Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight," the statement continued. "He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always."
Following news of his passing, a GoFundMe was launched for his teenage daughters, whom he shared with Rebecca Gayheart.
The original goal of $250,000 was later increased to $500,000 after donations surged, The Independent reported.
More than half of the initial goal was raised within hours, and by Wednesday, contributions had surpassed $456,000.
Questions were raised when the fundraiser was reportedly placed under review, and funds were put on hold. GoFundMe later confirmed the page had been verified.
“GoFundMe’s Trust & Safety team was previously working to gather additional information and help ensure the intended beneficiary was added to the fundraiser, as part of our standard review process. Donations were safely held by our payment processors during this review process,” the company said.