Grey's Anatomy may be one of the most successful shows on tv to date, but that doesn't mean that it hasn't had its flaws. Sometimes it can be because the fandom has rejected a relationship between two characters. Sometimes it can be because the writers are including too many filler episodes and sometimes it can be the show gives out.
For a show that prides itself on female empowerment, there have been a few moments in the show that have been anything but that. For one, the majority of the female characters have been subjected to slut-shaming and sexism in the workplace - even by several fan-favorites too. These just have to be some of the worst instances.
Everyone's Concerns With April's Virginity
If fans take a look at April's character arc, there were quite a few eyebrow-raising moments in regards to her colleagues and family bullying her over her virginity. The first time this issue was raised was in season 7 when April was mocked and ridiculed by her peers when they discovered she was a virgin.
Although April had made it clear plenty of times that she had been waiting for the right time and the right person, they still continued to laugh at her. As her friends and loved ones, they should have respected her privacy and choice.
Nancy Calling Meredith A Slutty Intern
By now, it's quite clear why Derek and Amelia stopped speaking to their sisters. Except for Liz, the other two Shephard sisters, Nancy and Kathleen, are absolutely horrible and judgmental.
When fans initially met Nancy in season 2, they hated the way she already made a judgment about Meredith. Even though Addison and Derek were the ones at fault in the situation, Nancy chose Meredith as a scapegoat, calling her a "slutty intern." It infuriated fans even further when she found out the truth about Mark and brushed it off, saying "everyone had sex with him." The hypocrisy was unreal.
Meredith Calls Her Mother A Wh*re
Although many fans wouldn't have thought about this since there have been plenty of other problematic instances, but Meredith calling her own mother a "filthy wh*re" because she had an affair with Richard can also be classed as slut-shaming ("Yesterday").
If one really thinks about it, Meredith should have had more compassion and understanding for her Ellis, especially when she, herself, had been in love with a married man. She and Derek even hooked up while he was married to Addison. While it was probably uncomfortable reading about Ellis' rendezvous, it was a little unfair of Meredith to shame her mother for being in love.
Bailey's New Nickname
As may fans know, the surgeons of Grey-Sloan like to give each other nicknames. While some can come off as a "compliment," it seems like the women are on the receiving end on some of the most unfortunate ones. In season 9 opening, Bailey ends up accruing another degrading nickname, "BCB."
Since Bailey was seen to be happier when Ben was around, the new interns had noticed a pattern and begun calling her "Booty Call Bailey" (BCB for short). As expected, Bailey was none too pleased - and she had every right to. Why was she shamed for having a healthy sex life when the likes of Mark and Alex escaped such scrutiny?
Leah Being Slut-Shamed By Her Peers
Although she wasn't like very much by the fans, Leah Murphy had been on the receiving end of some harsh judgments. In total, Leah was seen to get involved in two workplace romances. One was Alex and the other was Arizona. For Leah, she thought that she had a deep connection with them until they told her otherwise.
However, because she got overly attached to these relationships, she garnered a bit of a reputation with her colleagues. When she returned in season 13, Stephanie claimed that she nearly brought the hospital to its knees because "she was sleeping with attendings." As fans recall, this wasn't the case at all. Leah placed a complaint because she felt like the attendings were compromising everyone's education.
Callie Slut-Shames Arizona At The Trial
In one of the more heartbreaking storylines of season 12, the viewers saw Callie and Arizona go to court over Sofia's custody arrangements. Although fans would hate to admit it, the trial ended up turning ugly when Callie decided to play "dirty" and make Arizona out to be an irresponsible mother.
Since Arizona had a few nights out with Richard, Callie's lawyer decides to use this as proof that Arizona was an unfit mother. She tells the judge that Arizona would rather spend time in clubs, flirting and drinking with her friends than be with her daughter. Not only that, but the lawyer uses Arizona's work schedule to prove she is unfit too. Fans were really shocked that Callie would resort to such low tactics and weren't surprised by the disgust Arizona showed her.
Izzie & The Modelling Incident
By the time that Alex Karev left the show, he was seen to be a firm fan-favorite. However, in the beginning, it was hard to see why anyone would like him when he treated everyone with disrespect. Even the ones who had done nothing to offend him. A prime example of this being the "Bethany Whisper" incident.
As many fans know, Izzie had previously done some modeling, which had helped her pay her way through med school. Alex, for some reason, found this particularly interesting and decided to plaster her pictures all over the locker room. He and the rest of her colleagues then proceeded to call her "Dr. Model," refusing to see beyond her physical appearance. One can see why it took so long to warm up to him after this.
Mark Implies That Rose Is A Tease
While Mark underwent an amazing transformation in the five years he was on the show, fans couldn't stand his jerkish and sleazy ways. They also couldn't stand how he talked to women either, as evidenced by his conversation with Rose in season 4.
From the very beginning, it was obvious that Mark didn't like Rose. However, that did not mean he had the right to judge her or get involved in her relationship with Derek. When he finds out that the two hadn't slept together, he tells her how he hates women like her. The kind of "women who string guys along like sex is some prize when the real issue is that [they're] afraid he'll lose interest once it happens." He completely overstepped a boundary here as it did seem like he was pressuring her into a situation she wasn't ready for.
Mark's Hypocrisy Towards Lexie
Everyone had a soft spot for Mark and Lexie's relationship and were devastated when they were killed before they got their happy ever after. However, that's not to say the romance was perfect. It hit several snags, with the biggest one occurring in season 6.
Not long after their break up, Lexie ends up having sex with Alex while Mark has sex with Addison. When they confessed their indiscretions, Mark reacted angrily and refused to look or speak to her. He then spent several episodes ignoring her, even when she tried to talk to him. Fans were furious at how he approached the situation.
Derek Implies Meredith Is A Wh*re
Although most people would describe Meredith and Derek as the show's ultimate OTP, there was one time that fans couldn't see how they could salvage what was left after this incident. As many fans know, Meredith began dating Finn after Derek decided to work on his marriage to Addison.
Once Derek realized that Meredith and Finn's relationship had become physical, he starts treating her with hostility. He then states that she "gets around a lot" and proposes that she sleep with Alex next. Fans were absolutely horrified and disgusted with his behavior and weren't surprised when Meredith angrily states how he "doesn't get to call her a wh*re" after everything.