‘Grey’s Anatomy’ writer suspended over possible medical fabrications
- Elisabeth Finch is alleged to have embellished elements of her life, some of which have been incorporated into her writing on the Shonda Rhimes-produced show
- Finch, whose other credits include The Vampire Diaries, No Ordinary Family and True Blood, has written more than a dozen episodes of the medical drama
A Grey’s Anatomy writer who has been accused of fabricating parts of her medical history in the writers’ room of the long-running ABC drama as well as in personal essays has been placed on administrative leave pending review, the network confirmed to the Los Angeles Times on Thursday.
Elisabeth Finch, a 44-year-old writer who has worked on the series since 2014, is alleged to have embellished elements of her life, some of which have been incorporated into her writing on the Shonda Rhimes-produced show and had helped establish her value to the show, according to a story by trade newsletter The Ankler published on Thursday.
Finch often detailed her ailments and distressing experiences, which included being diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, having an abortion while undergoing chemotherapy and a misdiagnosis by a doctor, in personal essays for publications such as Elle, The Hollywood Reporter, and the website for Shondaland, Rhimes’ production company.
The Ankler first reported that an investigation was launched by Disney.
An ABC spokesperson and Finch, through her lawyer, declined to comment. Requests for comment from Shondaland and showrunner Krista Vernoff were not immediately returned.
Finch, whose other credits include The Vampire Diaries, No Ordinary Family and True Blood, has written more than a dozen episodes of the medical drama, including the stand-out 2015 episode “Silent All These Years”, about a rape victim, in which she also appeared in a nonspeaking role as a nurse.