Shonda Rhimes Had To Hire 24-hour Security After Receiving Death Threats From Crazed ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Fans

Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes Had To Hire 24-hour Security After Receiving Death Threats From Crazed ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Fans

Sometimes fandoms can take things way too far!

Shonda Rhimes is behind a lot of hit television series. From being a showrunner, creator, head writer, and executive producer, there’s a strong chance she’s somehow connected to one of your fav scripted shows. And you’re probably aware that she’s the mastermind behind the hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” which premiered nearly 20 years ago in 2005. A show with that longevity is bound to come with a few crazed fans and, unfortunately, Shonda Rhimes has had to take extra measures to ensure she’s protected from the madness.

During a recent interview, Shonda Rhimes shared why she’s no longer as active as she once was with fans of her shows online. She explained,

“Social media changed. Fans have passionate feelings, and I was always fine with that. I understand that the characters felt like their friends. They were my imaginary friends too. That’s why I was writing them. And I think people just had very strong feelings about what happened with their friends. But then it became weird.”

Speaking specifically on how viewers of “Grey’s Anatomy” would react following a season finale, Rhimes said,

“They got mean. And you never knew who was going to really take offense in the wrong way.”

Shonda Rhimes

Rhimes, who reportedly stepped down as the series showrunner in 2015, had to resort to having a police car parked outside her home for a week after a season wrapped because she was receiving death threats from fans unpleased with the storyline. She then had to up the protective measures put in place for her and her children “because people are dangerous and strange.” 

To ensure her family was protected around the clock, Rhimes hired 24-hour security.

“I wanted to just be able to walk out my front door and hang out with my kids and not be worried. I would lay awake at night with stress.”

She added,

“I had some very helpful friends who’d had similar experiences, who were able to give me a lot of perspective, and who were adamant that if you can’t live normally then you’re not going to be able to live.”

Rhimes isn’t the only celeb who had to do what’s needed to protect themselves and their loved ones. It’s not uncommon for Hollywood stars to file restraining orders against fans who take things too far. Last August Big Sean and Jhene Aiko had an overzealous fan break into their home. In March of that year, ‘Euphoria’ Star Jacob Elordi got a protection order against a 61-year-old male stalker.

What are your thoughts on this entire situation? Tell us in the comments below!

[VIA]