‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Actress Sparks Outrage After Eric Dane's Death

Eric Dane’s death has left many in Hollywood mourning the loss of the “Grey’s Anatomy” star. 

However, as tributes poured in online, one unexpected voice shifted the conversation. 

A former background actress from the long-running medical drama stepped into the comments under a viral post about his passing, and made explosive claims about her experience on set. 

Her blunt remarks quickly sparked backlash, debate, and renewed scrutiny around Dane’s time on the hit show.

The controversy began a few days ago after Variety took to their account on Threads to announce Eric Dane’s death. 

Among condolences and heartfelt reactions, Laura Ann Tull, who identified herself as a former background actress on “Grey’s Anatomy,” posted a comment that immediately grabbed attention.

She wrote that Dane was a “bully” and an “a hole,” a statement that drew swift pushback from other users. As replies flooded in, Tull doubled down rather than stepping back. 

In one follow-up, she wrote, “I have never watched Euphoria. I tried watching the pilot. It was so drug intensive I got turned off.”

Tull continued her rant, noting that she was sexually abused by a cocaine user. 

The actress noted that after getting attacked for her comment about the actor, she decided to Google his acting.

“I’ve seen Dane’s mean side 1st hand. He behaved like a misogynist the last few times I worked with him,” she added. 

Several fans slammed Laura Ann Tull for calling Eric Dane a "bully" and "-sshole." One person wrote per the Daily Mail, "So why didn't you speak to your story while he was alive?"

Another person added, "You couldn’t say these things about him when he was alive and able to defend himself? You're both of those also for saying this about someone who just passed away."

A third person also said, "He can’t defend himself, so now you’re brave? That’s not honesty that’s cowardice. Shame on you."

As criticism mounted, Tull continued expanding on her allegations. In another post shared on the same day, she noted that she was contacted by a member of the press regarding her comments about Dane.

According to her, she provided evidence of her accusations, which included copies of emails and documents confirming that she was raped. 

“I also showed them I had filed charges with NLRB in 2014 & with sag aftra in 2013. I was a quirky quiet looney person in Greys. It was ok Dempsey & Dane treated me like piggy? I had talent. You were evil to me,” she added.

Amid the uproar, conversations resurfaced about Dane’s departure from “Grey’s Anatomy.” 

The late actor portrayed Dr. Mark Sloan from 2006 until 2012, first appearing as a guest star in season two before becoming a series regular in season three. 

His character was ultimately written out after a tragic plane crash storyline, with Sloan succumbing to his injuries early in season nine.

In 2024, Dane addressed his exit during an appearance on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast. “I didn’t leave so much as I think I was let go,” he said. 

When Shepard asked about substance struggles during that period, Dane admitted that he was struggling. However, he clarified that his struggle with substance abuse wasn’t the reason he was let go. 

Instead, he suggested financial factors played a role. “I was starting to become, as most of these actors who have spent significant time on the show, you start to become very expensive for the network,” he explained. 

Those remarks stand in contrast to Tull’s claim that she was responsible for his departure. 

“In 2012 there were rumors after I made the call that Greys was going go of either Dane or Dempsey. That was early 2012. They fired Dane in September,” Tull claimed in one of her posts on Threads.

In another post, Tull addressed comments about getting sued due to her allegations. 

She argued that in the United States, defaming someone who has died does not usually result in a lawsuit, whereas living individuals can still pursue legal action for slander. 

She suggested that this legal reality may be why the press now feels free to report claims she has been making since 2008. 

Tull also alleged that in 2012, SAG-AFTRA had her institutionalized after she stated she held a law degree, claiming she believed it was an effort to derail her acting career so she would turn to law instead. 

However, Tull explained that she had already quit the profession in 2011. The actress further claimed that after Dane was fired in 2012, she was slandered to the police afterward. 

Tull said she then contacted Shondaland to report what she claimed Eric Dane and Patrick Dempsey did in 2008.

Dane died on February 19, less than a year after publicly revealing his ALS diagnosis. 

ALS, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, loss of control, and eventually paralysis.

In a statement, his family confirmed the news. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” they said. 

They noted he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

“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.”