Elizabeth Finch, writer of Embttled Grey’s Anatomy, has taken a personal leave of absence from the ABC sickness series, sources tell that she is no longer being investigated by Disney as it pertains to these elements of her personal journey – some of which she wrote in the Shonda Rhimes-produced show – were allegedly made up.
“I will always be one of Grey’s Anatomy’s biggest fans. I loved the show from day one and have had the privilege of writing for it since season 11. The proudest moment of my career was watching rape survivors receive the episode “Silent All These Years.” Grey’s Anatomy is a big hearted, brilliant family. As hard as it is to take some time off right now, I know it’s more important to focus on my own family and health. I am immensely grateful to Disney, ABC and Shondaland for making this possible for me and for supporting me through this very difficult time,” Finch said in a statement to THR.
Sources note that Disney was keen to investigate Finch and, following her decision to say goodbye to Grey’s, has suspended any kind of investigation into claims that such personal details as her bouts with cancer and other medical issues were fabricated could be. A formal investigation, other sources say, has never been officially launched, as Disney reportedly briefly floated the idea of seeing Finch see a jointly chosen doctor. The author refused, choosing instead to bid the series a personal farewell. Disney granted the leave. Finch’s medical records are protected by patient privacy laws contained in the HIPPA Act.
Grey’s Anatomy remains in production for the current season. It’s unclear how many weeks the writers’ room has left before the season wraps up. Also, like other broadcast and cable shows, ABC drama has traditionally had writers on set to produce their own episodes. The series has already been renewed for its 19th season. Finch’s current Grey’s deal includes a reciprocal option to return for Season 19. Sources say Finch is unlikely to return to the series. Finch posted a picture with Gray’s co-workers from one of her episodes on Wednesday to her verified Instagram account with the caption “Family.”
Finch, one of Grey’s Anatomy’s most vocal writers, was placed on administrative leave March 17 as Disney’s legal and human resources departments conducted an investigation to determine whether elements such as Finch’s cancer diagnosis and abortion while undergoing chemotherapy, among other issues, were unrelated were correct.
Officials from Disney, whose ABC signature produces Greys, declined to comment.
“MS. Finch will not disclose her private health concerns. Likewise, she will not discuss her pending divorce from her estranged wife, Jennifer Beyer, or comment on any statements Ms. Beyer may have made to third parties about Ms. Finch,” said Finch’s attorney, Andrew Brettler of Lavely & Singer said in a statement to THR at the time Shondaland officials previously issued the following statement: “Only Elisabeth can speak on her personal story.”
Finch was a writer for Grey’s for many years and has written several episodes of the series for former showrunner Rhimes and current showrunner Krista Vernoff. Over the years, Finch has detailed her personal struggles in essays for publications such as Elle, Shondaland.com, and THR, while also conducting multiple press rounds for episodes purportedly based on her own experiences.
The doubt over the validity of Finch’s personal information arose after the author cited a family emergency and gave the Grey’s Anatomy writers space to address it, multiple sources said. When colleagues called Finch’s wife, Jennifer Beyer, similarities to the story Finch told her colleagues matched Beyer’s own story. Beyer raised concerns with Disney and Shondaland executives, resulting in Finch being placed on administrative leave. Finch and Beyer are now said to be going through a “bitter divorce,” according to a source.
Several industry peers who have been friends with Finch for years previously told THR they were stunned by the rumors surrounding the well-connected author and were at a loss for what to believe, citing the lack of a “smoking gun” to prove that she has not been truthful. “You think this poor woman went through something so horrible and you want to support her,” said one of Finch’s longtime collaborators.
In addition to Grey’s Anatomy, Finch’s screenwriters include The Vampire Diaries and True Blood.
Beyer representatives could not be reached for comment.