LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes said she was surprised by Katherine Heigl's comments, after the actress removed her name from Emmy contention earlier this summer.
"When I was told [what she said], I found it surprising," Rhimes told reporters during an ABC Television Critics Association panel in Los Angeles on Thursday, according to People.
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Heigl told the Los Angeles Times that the "Grey's" scripts were behind her withdrawing from a possible Emmy nod.
[ Access Archives: Katherine Heigl On The Set Of 'Roswell' (1999) - Play it Now ]
"I did not feel that I was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination and in an effort to maintain the integrity of the academy organization, I withdrew my name from contention," Heigl previously said.
Despite Heigl's remarks, Rhimes said she is still on good terms with Heigl.
"I love and respect Katie as an actress. But she is outspoken," Rhimes said.
[ All Access: Katherine Heigl - Grey's Anatomy - TV ]
Rhimes added she "didn't feel insulted," by Heigl's comments.
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