A recent report by People said that Katharine Heigl, who plays Izzie Stevens on the ABC medical drama, had ended contract negotiations because she was “dissappointed” and “hurt” that Touchstone didn’t “value her as much as co-stars, especially Sandra Oh and Isaiah Washington”.

Ok that makes sense, big show, popular character, she wants more money. So why not give it to her? Apparently they did, ABC says she was recently offered a raise. Word is, several of the stars were “instantly resentful” by the recent announcement Kate Walsh would be getting her own show centered around her character, including Heigl. Today ABC released this statement:

“Katherine is an integral part of Grey’s Anatomy and its success. Fortunately, we have a long term contract to ensure she’ll be with the show for several years to come. In recognition of her tremendous talent and value to the show, we recently approached Katherine with an offer to raise her compensation significantly above the terms of her current contract. We were surprised to see this gesture reported negatively in the press, and want to reassure fans that she will continue as Izzie Stevens.”

So what gives? First there’s the whole TR Knight & Isaiah Washington fiasco, which seems to still be up in the air since reports are Washington will be leaving the show. Then the Kate Walsh announcement (of which I’m a fan) , now this. It sure seems like a whole lot of drama on the set and the statement by ABC today sure sounds like forceful execution of a contract to me. Maybe it’s the wording but them saying “fortunately, we have a long term contract to ensure she’ll be with the show for several years” doesn’t seem like words that would be used had negotiations gone smoothly.

But isn’t that the way it is with these shows. Ratings soar, you become one of the cornerstones of weekly television, the network makes tons of money and the actors are tied to contracts that are now outdated and when they come up for renewal the big bosses don’t want to ante up until force is applied. Sounds like that cut both ways this time and Izzie will be staying, but does this latest drama foreshadow doom for the show or is it your typical Hollywood manuevering?