Fans of Grey’s Anatomy were devastated to hear that they will be waving goodbye to April Kepner and Arizona Robbins at the end of season 14.
Many viewers were infuriated by the controversial decision, taking to social media to express their anger and disgust.
One fan tweeted, “I recovered from all the deaths and exits on Grey’s, even Derek but don't think for a minute I will over them getting rid of Arizona and April for no reason at all.”
Fans couldn’t understand why the producers would remove extremely important and diverse characters from the medical series.
One fan expressed their confusion with Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes’ decision, “Shonda: Arizona Robbins and April Kepner give LGBTQ and devout Christian representation to underrepresented communities on TV.
Also, Shonda: *writes them out on International Women's Day*”
Others slated Ellen Pompeo, who has played lead character Meredith Grey since season one, for the shocking cast shake-up.
The actress was met with a wave of abuse following the news, with fans claiming that Sarah Drew and Jessica Capshaw were axed following her pay rise.
Ellen is the highest paid woman on television with the Grey’s Anatomy star earning $20 million per year.
Responding to Deadline’s claims that the actresses were fired due to the pay increase, she wrote, “Its unfortunate that @DEADLINE chooses to try to pit women against each other on #InternationalWomensDay #shameonyounotme”
“I'm a big girl @DEADLINE can take shots at me if they want but to the fans please don't fall into that trap. This is above my pay grade.”
In response to hatred from Grey’s Anatomy fans, she said, “We are grateful all of you are so passionate but if you knew these two women the way I know them they would not approve of all this nastiness.”
“They both are super shiny happy people. I know you're angry but your representation couldn't be further from who these women actually are,” she stated.
Fans continued to express their sadness, to which she replied, “Please don't accuse me of being disrespectful it doesn't matter what I say nothing I say is ok so I won't say anything at all anymore.”
