ABC Discharges Brooke Smith From Grey’s Anatomy

Michael Ausiello is reporting that ABC has cut short the storyline romance between Callie and Erica. According to one Grey’s source, the suits “had issues” with both the explicit direction Callica was taking and, more importantly, with the Hahn character in general. Brooke Smith who plays Dr Erica Hahn says she is not written out. Her final scene is just her heading to her car.

Show creator Shondra Rhimes released a statement saying “Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly it’s not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show – Calliope Torres. Sara Ramirez is an incredible comedic and dramatic actress and we wanted to be able to play up her magic. Unfortunately, we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke’s character would sustain in the long run. The impact of the Callie/Erica relationship will be felt and played out in a story for Callie. I believe it belittles the relationship to simply replace Erica with ‘another lesbian.’ If you’ll remember, Cristina mourned the loss of Burke for a full season.”