Grey’s Anatomy background actress Laura Ann Tull sparks online outrage by calling Eric Dane a bully after his death from ALS in the United States

The days following Eric Dane’s death have been emotional for fans, but not all the attention has been sympathetic.

Laura Ann Tull, a background actress on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, ignited fury online after she labeled Dane a “bully” and claimed she was responsible for his firing from the show in 2012.

Tull’s comments came via the social media platform Threads, where she launched a lengthy rant accusing Dane of being “evil,” a “coward,” and a “jerk.”

Her posts quickly drew criticism from fans, who argued it was cruel to air grievances against someone who had just passed away from ALS at 53.

Social Media Backlash and Accusations

Users didn’t hold back. Comments ranged from shock to outright anger.

One fan wrote, “The man has died. He has young children.

The fact that you are talking about this after his death of a terrible disease. You seem like the bully here.”

Another asked, “So why didn’t you speak to your story while he was alive?”

Critics also pointed out that Tull’s claims were based on hearsay.

She alleged that Dane called her “weird” years ago, citing an email from [Arne] Starr, a SAG-AFTRA representative, rather than direct interaction.

Many pointed out the irony of her criticizing Dane when she had never confronted him directly.

Tull’s History of Allegations

This wasn’t Tull’s first time making claims about Dane.

In 2018, she wrote an essay on Medium alleging that Dane and, indirectly, Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey, had made comments about her on set.

Still, she never spoke to either actor directly.

Her recent posts reignited discussion about workplace dynamics on set, but many viewers argued that bringing these claims forward immediately after Dane’s death was in poor taste.

Eric Dane’s Career and Departure from Grey’s Anatomy

Dane played Dr. Mark Sloan from 2006 to 2012, joining as a guest star in season two and becoming a series regular in season three.

His character’s exit followed a dramatic plane crash in the season eight finale, culminating in Sloan’s death early in season nine.

In 2024, Dane shared that his departure wasn’t voluntary.

On Dax Shepherd’s Armchair Expert podcast, he explained that the network let him go primarily because he had become “very expensive,” not solely because of his past struggles with alcohol and drugs.

He emphasized that Grey’s Anatomy was the anchor of the network’s success, and the show would continue regardless of cast changes.

Dane’s Battle with ALS and Legacy

Eric Dane passed away on February 19, less than a year after publicly announcing his diagnosis of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that progressively affects muscle control.

His family released a statement noting that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

The statement also highlighted Dane’s advocacy for ALS awareness and research, underscoring his commitment to helping others even while facing his own challenges.

Public Sentiment and Survivor Support

Fans and colleagues alike mourned Dane’s passing, celebrating his career and philanthropic efforts.

Many emphasized that online disputes, especially claims made posthumously, should not overshadow the contributions of someone battling a devastating illness.

The debate over Tull’s comments reflects larger conversations about timing, accountability, and the impact of social media on grief and legacy.

What’s Next?

• Conversations about workplace behavior and accountability on long-running shows may resurface, with renewed attention on Grey’s Anatomy alumni.

• The social media backlash may prompt discussions about etiquette and the ethics of posthumous claims.

• Dane’s advocacy for ALS awareness may inspire further fundraising and research efforts.

• Industry insiders may revisit past cast departures in light of both budget considerations and on-set culture.

Summary

Background actress Laura Ann Tull faced widespread criticism after accusing the late Eric Dane of bullying and claiming responsibility for his Grey’s Anatomy firing.

The posts followed Dane’s death from ALS at 53 and drew backlash from fans for being poorly timed and based on hearsay.

Dane, known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan from 2006 to 2012, had previously shared that his departure was largely due to contractual costs rather than personal conflicts.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and two teenage daughters, and is remembered for both his television legacy and his advocacy for ALS research.