Hollywood Scandals 2022: Elisabeth Finch, Writer of Grey’s Anatomy on Leave Amidst Investigation

Placed on Administrative Leave Amid HR Investigation

Elisabeth Finch, who has penned multiple episodes of the ABC medical drama, is the subject of investigation by Disney’s HR and legal departments.

Elisabeth Finch, one of Grey’s Anatomy’s vocal writers, has been placed on administrative leave amid concerns that elements of her personal journey — some of which she wrote into the Shonda Rhimes-produced show — were allegedly fabricated.

Sources confirm that Disney’s human resources and legal departments are conducting an internal investigation to determine if elements including her cancer diagnosis and abortion while undergoing chemotherapy were not accurate. Reps for Shondaland did not immediately respond to calls and email.

The Ankler earlier reported that an investigation was launched by Disney.

Michael Moore

Finch has been a writer on Grey’s for years and has penned multiple episodes of the series for former showrunner Rhimes and current showrunner Krista Vernoff.
She’s also detailed her personal struggles in essays for Elle and others, while also doing multiple rounds of press for episodes over the years that were allegedly based on her personal experiences.

Multiple sources say that the doubt over the validity of Finch’s personal details arose after the writer cited a family emergency and left the writers’ room to address a family matter. When colleagues phoned Finch’s wife, Jennifer Beyer, similarities to the story Finch told her colleagues and Beyer’s history matched. Beyer raised concerns with Disney and Shondaland execs, prompting Finch to be placed on administrative leave. Finch and Beyer are now said to be going through an “acrimonious divorce,” as one source described it.

Multiple industry colleagues, friendly with Finch for years say they’re stunned by the rumors and no longer know what to believe and cite lack of “smoking gun” to illustrate the disbelief. “You believe this poor woman was going through this awful thing and you want to support her,” said Finch’s longtime associate.

In addition to Grey’s Anatomy, Finch’s writing credits include The Vampire Diaries and True Blood.