In the late 2000s, Katherine Heigl was a rising star in Hollywood. Her success on the TV show Grey’s Anatomy and her roles in hit movies like Knocked Up and 27 Dresses made her one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry. However, her time at the top was short-lived, and she soon gained a reputation for being difficult to work with.
The controversy began in 2008 after the release of Knocked Up. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Heigl criticized the movie for its portrayal of women, calling it “a little sexist.” She felt that the female characters were depicted as shrews and killjoys, while the male characters were seen as lovable and fun-loving. Heigl expressed her difficulty in playing her character and questioned why women were being portrayed in such a way.
Her comments sparked a backlash, and her co-stars Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen addressed the issue during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show. Apatow denied having any fights with Heigl and pointed out that she improvised many of her lines in the movie. Rogen also highlighted the irony of Heigl’s criticism, given her role in the rom-com The Ugly Truth, which also had traditional gender dynamics.
Heigl further drew negative attention in 2008 when she withdrew her name from Emmy contention for her work on Grey’s Anatomy. She claimed that she didn’t feel the material she was given that season warranted an Emmy nomination. This decision surprised and disappointed the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes, who saw it as a lack of appreciation for the work of the entire team.
Over the years, Heigl has reflected on these controversies and expressed regret for her actions. In an interview with The Howard Stern Show in 2016, she admitted to feeling embarrassed about her previous statements and apologized to Rhimes for her remarks. She acknowledged that she should not have made those comments and recognized the impact they had on her reputation.
While Heigl’s career suffered a setback due to these incidents, she has continued to work in the industry and has experienced a resurgence with her role in Netflix’s Firefly Lane. She has learned from her past mistakes and has made efforts to repair her relationships and reputation.