A formerGrey’s Anatomywriter who faked cancer,Elisabeth Finch, is facing public scrutiny after her fundraising efforts for the L.A. wildfires raised more eyebrows than donations.The Hollywood Reporterwrites that Finch was called out for allegedly encouraging her social media followers to donate by sending money directly to her. Finch’s social media accounts are private but the post reportedly read:
“It was challenging enough getting dog food while evacuated, and I was at a safe place. So this is for people who have virtually nothing and have pets with basic needs.”
However, actress and co-executive producer,Jamie Denbo, known forGrey’s Anatomy,Sex Lives of College Girls,andF is for Family,warned social media users about sending donations to Finch by posting her own message in response:
“This person is a SCAMMMER and a LIAR. It is well documented in the Peacock series ‘Anatomy of Lies.’ Unless you want to send her donations of 69 cents for her ‘cancer treatment’ (she doesn’t have cancer) or perhaps ‘in memory of her late brother’ (he’s alive) or any thing else she has lied about (everything), DO NOT DONATE to Elisabeth Finch!!!”
The Hollywood Reporter reached out to both Finch and Denbo for comment.Denbo reiterated her stance — that Finch continues to scam and deceive others — Finch responded, defending her post in the face of online criticism:
“I recognize, given my history, people might be skeptical of my fundraising efforts. I’m trying to make amends in as many ways I can, including helping my community — especially during these difficult times. So many organizations are calling for gift cards because they are overwhelmed with physical donations, and I didn’t want peoples' pet needs to get lost in the shuffle.”
The devastation of the Los Angeles Wildfires has sparked fundraising relief campaigns nationwide. Crews are working tirelessly to contain the fires, so that thousands of evacuees can return home. However, many L.A. residents are facing the unthinkable reality that everything they once owned has been lost.According to theLA Times’live updates, as of January 18, 43% of the Palisades fire was contained with 23,713 acres and 3,856 structures burned, and 73% of the Eaton fire has been contained, with 14,117 acres and 8,988 structures burned. For those looking to donate or volunteer, be sure to research and verify the best resources for supporting.
The Scandal That Rocked ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Fans
BeforeGrey’s Anatomy,Finch was credited as working in the writers' room onTrue Bloodand theVampire Diariesfrom 2008 to 2012. In 2014, Finch penned a piece forElle Magazineabout her Chondrosarcoma diagnosis, a rare bone cancer, and going through treatment while working as a television writer. Following the publication of the piece, Finch was offered a producer role onGrey’s Anatomy.
In 2015, Finch began writing and producing forGrey’s Anatomy. Finch even guest starred as ‘Nurse Elisabeth’ in Season 15, Episode 19. While working on the series, Finch continued to write essays about her personal and medical history forElle, The Hollywood Reporter, andShondaland. However, her medical history was not fully verified by the publications. Finch’s diagnosis was reportedly the inspiration for a storyline involving Dr. Catherine Fox, played by Debbie Allen.
Disgraced Grey’s Anatomy Writer Is ‘Sorry’ She Faked Cancer for 8 Years
Elisabeth Finch issued a public apology for her behavior following the release of a new docuseries that chronicles her web of lies.
In order to maintain the appearance of her illness, Finch would alter her physical appearance, gain medical accommodation at work, and take extended leave. In 2022, Finch was reported to Disney and Shondaland and, after refusing to provide medical documentation or undergo a medical evaluation, she was placed on leave. Following the investigation, she would resign from her position. Eventually, Finch’s falsehoods were exposed, and she gained notoriety for the public scandal.Finch has issuedseveral public apologies since then. In October 2024,PeacockreleasedAnatomy of Lies,a documentary series which delves further into Finch’s deception.
