The “Grey’s Anatomy” cast shakeup rumors continued to swirl Thursday night at the 40th NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, but series star James Pickens Jr. and creator Shonda Rhimes cleared up speculation about Katherine Heigl and T.R. Knight leaving the ABC show.
Despite reports that Heigl and Knight are leaving the medical drama, Pickens and Rhimes said not true — despite what Pickens had said a few nights earlier, when he told reporters the two stars were set to exit Seattle Grace.
“We had been living with so [many] rumors, when the question was asked of me, I was pretty much just trying to congratulate Katie and T.R. on whatever their endeavors are going to be,” Pickens told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson.
Robinson asked about the persistent rumors that continue to surround the cast’s future.
“And that’s exactly what they are, rumors!” Pickens continued. “We don’t know any more. And until they get a new script, we don’t know what’s going to happen.”
“So you’re no the official spokesperson?” Robinson asked.
“I’m flattered that they think I am,” Pickens said with a laugh. “But, no I’m not.”
And does the constant speculation about the future of the “Grey’s” actors ever become too much? Not according to Pickens.
“I guess it’s a testament to the show,” the actor continued. “Folks have invested so much into what we do.”
Rhimes also squashed the Heigl and Knight rumors Thursday night.
“That was a very interesting rumor,” Rhimes told People. “And it’s not true.”