Rhimes feared "Grey's Anatomy" would be cancelled in 2007

Shonda Rhimes, the creator of "Grey’s Anatomy," initially worried that a scandal involving star Isaiah Washington would lead to the show's cancellation. In a recent interview, she reflected on how the incident affected the series and its cast. Rhimes described the early days of the show as having a "bubble of joy" that burst due to the controversy. Washington, who played Dr. Preston Burke, left the show in 2007 after using a homophobic slur during a heated argument with co-star Patrick Dempsey. He later described the confrontation, indicating his frustration over Dempsey's late arrival to work that day. Despite the scandal, Rhimes noted that the show has continued successfully, now in its 21st season. Rhimes shared that she did not expect such off-screen drama when she first started writing "Grey’s Anatomy." She believed other producers would handle any issues, allowing her to focus solely on writing. However, she learned that being a leader requires managing both creative responsibilities and interpersonal challenges.