Katherine Heigl Reflects on Controversial Remarks About Experience on ‘Grey's Anatomy'

After coming under fire 10 years ago over comments about her working conditions on the set of Grey's Anatomy, Katherine Heigl is discussing the controversy and standing behind her comments

Katherine Heigl scene from Grey's Anatomy
Michael Desmond/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

One of Katherine Heigl's most controversial remarks has now become more meaningful than ever.

The "Grey's Anatomy" star, who played Izzie Stevens on the hit ABC series, previously came under fire for discussing the show's alleged working conditions during a 2009 appearance on David Letterman's late-night show.

At the time, she told the host, "Our first day back was Wednesday. It was--I'm going to keep saying this because I hope it embarrasses them--a 17-hour day, which I think is cruel and mean."

In recent weeks, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), has been demanding better conditions for more than 60,000 behind-the-scenes workers in theater, television and film productions. It's speculated the union might strike. Kerry Washington, Mandy Moore and Joshua Jackson are just a few celebs who have publicly shown their support for production crew members.

Now, Heigl can be added to that.

In a candid Instagram post on Friday, Sept. 24, the actress applauded them, while also opening up about the backlash she received a decade ago for speaking out about the same topic.

Grey's Anatomy's Departed Doctors: Where Are They Now?

"Some of you may remember over ten years ago I was very vocal about the absurdity of the working hours crews and actors were being forced into by production," Heigl wrote. "Even Diane Sawyer interviewed me and not so kindly informed me 'no one feels sorry for you.' I very publicly and for many many years after got my ass kicked for speaking up."

The "Knocked Up" star explained that being publicly shamed for her comments caused her to step out of the public eye.

"I let that public spanking shut me up and shut me down," she admitted. "I took a very big step back from the hustle of my career and retreated into the woods of Utah. I spent a fair amount of time struggling with self-confidence and self-worth."

She continued, "I let myself be convinced that I was wrong. Very very wrong. That speaking out made me seem ungrateful or precious or as if I were 'biting the hand that fed me.'"

However, Heigl said that she's been able to move forward since receiving the backlash. Additionally, she's not afraid to fight for justice.

"As I approach my 43rd year on this planet that nasty insecure voice in me has started to go from a roar to a whisper," she shared. "With age...that wisdom is knowing not only who you really are but what you will and will not stand for no matter what anyone."

"So I speak up today and say with zero hesitation or regret...14, 16, 17, 18 hour work days are NOT safe," she added. "They are NOT healthy. They can not and should NO longer be tolerated."

The actress also took a moment to praise the production members that she's worked, saying, "I grew up on film sets and the crews I've always been surrounded by have been a kind of family to me."

"I've celebrated life's big and small milestones with my crews," she explained. "First real love. Marriage. Babies. Turning 21. Turning 30. Turning 40. The crews I've worked with all these many many years have been just as instrumental in making me who I am as anything else lasting and important in my life. They have been family in that way and I have always and will always continue to support and stand by them."

Copyright E! Online
Contact Us