Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

The recent passing of actor Eric Dane, known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues. However, amidst the tributes, former extra Laura Ann Tull has come forward with serious allegations of bullying and abuse against the late actor, sparking a contentious debate online about the timing and appropriateness of such claims.

Tull shared her experiences on the platform Threads, describing a pattern of intimidating and demeaning behavior she says she endured while working on the set of Grey’s Anatomy. She alleges that Dane’s actions created a hostile environment and significantly impacted her life, even claiming she was responsible for his departure from the show in 2012. The accusations have ignited a firestorm of reactions, with many questioning the ethics of speaking out after someone’s death, while others are amplifying Tull’s voice and acknowledging the potential for past misconduct to surface even after an individual is no longer able to respond.

According to Tull, Dane was a “coward” and a “narcissist” who “abused” her on set, engaging in intimidation and mockery. She asserts that she directly led to his removal from the series by contacting an assistant to producer Shonda Rhimes two weeks before the announcement of his exit. “I doubt Rhimes will ever admit that,” Tull stated in her posts. The claims have prompted scrutiny of Dane’s behavior during his time on the show and raised questions about the culture on set.

The response to Tull’s allegations has been largely negative, with many social media users criticizing her for speaking out after Dane’s death. Some argued that it was disrespectful to his family and that he was unable to defend himself against the accusations. Others dismissed her claims as attention-seeking behavior. However, Tull defended her decision, stating that the timing of Dane’s death did not negate the harm she says she experienced. She further claimed to have previously documented her experiences in a 2018 essay on Medium, detailing receiving emails she found demeaning.

Tull’s account also includes allegations regarding fellow Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey, claiming she overheard both Dane and Dempsey making comments about her during breaks in filming. While the nature of these comments remains unspecified, they contribute to her overall narrative of a hostile work environment.

Eric Dane passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53, following a battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. He was diagnosed with the condition in April 2025, and his family confirmed his death in a statement expressing their grief and gratitude for the support he received from fans. The family’s statement highlighted Dane’s love for his fans and appreciation for their support.

Questions About Tull’s Involvement on Set

Adding to the controversy, some online users have questioned Tull’s involvement with Grey’s Anatomy, noting that her name does not appear on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) and that she is not readily identifiable in episodes of the show. Page Six reported on this skepticism, highlighting the challenges in verifying her claims.

Impact on Tull’s Life

Tull claims that Dane’s alleged behavior had a devastating impact on her life, hindering her ability to earn a living and forcing her to rely on her parents financially. She also stated she lives with an autoimmune disease and is currently residing in a mold-infested apartment in Los Feliz. “His arrogant, superficial attitude, harassment, and lies helped take away the only way I had of paying my rent,” she wrote. She emphasized that acting was her primary motivation for earning money.

The situation underscores the potential long-term consequences of workplace misconduct and the challenges faced by individuals who come forward with allegations against powerful figures, even after their death. It also raises questions about accountability and the responsibility of production companies to create safe and respectful work environments.

As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen whether further information will emerge to corroborate or refute Tull’s claims. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing allegations of bullying and abuse, regardless of the circumstances, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability in the entertainment industry.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

Sally Ann Matthews, a familiar face to generations of British television viewers, has offered a candid assessment of her departure from Coronation Street and the direction of the long-running soap opera. The actress, best known for her portrayal of Jenny Bradley, voiced concerns about the indicate’s evolving storylines, suggesting it stray from its core identity. Matthews’ comments reach four months after her character’s exit from Weatherfield, leaving for a fresh life in Tenerife.

Matthews, who first appeared on the cobbles in 1986, returned to the role of Jenny Bradley in 2015, becoming a central figure in several storylines, including a marriage to Johnny Connor and the management of the Rovers Return pub. However, the actress explained that a growing disconnect with the show’s creative direction ultimately led to her decision to leave. She emphasized the importance of enjoying her work, stating, “I’m 55 now, I don’t wanna waste my time doing stuff that I’m not enjoying with people that I am not enjoying doing it with.”

Shifting Focus and Studio Constraints

According to Matthews, her waning enthusiasm coincided with a shift in Coronation Street’s focus towards police procedural and hospital drama storylines. She revealed that her character’s planned appearances in The Kabin, a local newsagents, were curtailed due to a lack of studio space, which was prioritized for sets related to these newer storylines. “I was supposed to go into The Kabin and then they couldn’t get The Kabin set in because there were lots of hospital sets and police station sets,” she explained.

This change in focus wasn’t well-received by the cast, with Matthews noting that conversations about the show’s direction had been ongoing for “three or four years.” She shared that both cast and crew members had expressed concerns, with feedback from the public indicating confusion and disinterest in the increasingly crime-focused narratives. “They said ‘Oh it’s all about the police, I don’t know who anybody is,’” Matthews recounted.

Balancing Tradition with Modern Audiences

Despite acknowledging that ITV research suggested audiences were seeking storylines with elements of crime and suspense, mirroring popular true-crime dramas, Matthews believes Coronation Street should remain true to its roots. “But all the research was coming back saying audiences want spoilers, non-linear storytelling, they watch true crime dramas on Netflix, so they want a lot of crime,” she said. She argued that the show’s strength lies in its portrayal of everyday life on the street and that straying too far from this formula could alienate its core audience.

Matthews ultimately believes that Coronation Street needs to “stay in its lane and be what it is – which is a soap!” She acknowledged the show’s importance to ITV, noting its contribution to the network’s overall viewership figures, but emphasized the demand to prioritize the essence of what makes Coronation Street successful.

Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Viewers can find more information, interviews, and spoilers on the Radio Times dedicated Corrie page.

Matthews’ departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the show. Her decades-long association with Coronation Street, spanning from the 1980s to 2024, has cemented her status as a beloved figure in British television. As the show navigates its future, the debate over its direction – and whether it should embrace change or remain faithful to its origins – is likely to continue.

What do you believe? Should Coronation Street evolve with changing audience tastes, or stay true to its classic soap opera format? Share your thoughts in the comments below.