Eric Dane, the beloved star known for his role in Grey’s Anatomy, passed away on February 19, 2026, following a year-long battle with ALS. His death has elicited a profound sense of loss among fans and colleagues alike. However, in the wake of his passing, former co-star Laura Ann Tull has made a series of troubling allegations regarding his behavior while they worked together.
Laura Ann Tull has publicly claimed that Eric Dane was a bully during their time on Grey’s Anatomy. Sharing her experiences on Threads shortly after his death, she described instances of bullying and mockery that she endured, asserting that his conduct caused her long-term professional and personal harm. Tull’s comments have raised eyebrows, especially as she expressed that Dane’s passing does not diminish the pain he inflicted upon her.
In her posts, Tull characterized Dane as a “narcissist,” emphasizing her desire to succeed as an actor amidst the adversity she faced. She shared a particularly emotional reflection, stating, “He was a coward who abused me. Bullied me. Made fun of me. When I had beaten cancer. When I was getting sick with an autoimmune disease.” Her bold words suggest a deep-seated resentment toward the late actor, culminating in her belief that his actions were unforgivable, regardless of his death.
Furthermore, Tull claims she played a crucial role in Dane’s exit from Grey’s Anatomy. She alleged that she contacted the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes, just weeks prior to his termination, implying her influence on the decision. While she doubts that Rhimes would ever acknowledge this, Tull stated, “I am why he was fired from Grey’s. I called Rhimes’ assistant two weeks before they announced his termination.”
As these allegations circulate, responses from ABC, Shondaland, and representatives of Eric Dane have yet to surface. This isn’t the first time Tull has brought allegations against Dane; in a 2018 essay, she reflected on her experiences on the show, noting that, despite working for three years as an extra, she never had a direct conversation with him. Still, she felt his negative impact, claiming, “I want justice for Dane’s bullying.”
Eric Dane portrayed Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as “McSteamy,” from 2006 to 2012. His character became a fan favorite during his tenure, which ended with a departure confirmed by Shonda Rhimes. Although Rhimes emphasized the decision was made after careful consideration, Dane later suggested in a podcast that he believed he was let go due to rising costs associated with the cast.
The situation continues to unfold as Tull’s claims prompt discussions about workplace behavior in the entertainment industry. How these recent allegations will affect Dane’s legacy remains to be seen.