Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal showrunner Shonda Rhimes lays into ‘nasty’ Katherine Heigl

GREY’S Anatomy and Scandal showrunner Shonda Rhimes says she has a strict ‘no a**hole’ policy after working with Katherine Heigl.

FILE - This Feb. 1, 2013 file photo shows, from left, actors Tony Goldwyn, and Kerry Washington from the ABC series "Scandal," with series creator Shonda Rhimes at the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles. The series is one of three by Shonda Rhimes that will air on Thursdays. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, FIle)

Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes has said she doesn’t have time for ‘nasty’ people after being burned by Katherine Heigel.

The powerful TV showrunner has created hits Grey’s Anatomyand Scandal and produces new Viola Davis show How To Get Away With Murder under her ShondaLand production company.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about her runaway success, Rhimes said she no longer has time to deal with prima donnas, and has a strict ‘no assholes’ policy.

“There are no Heigls in this situation,” she said.

“I don’t put up with bullshit or nasty people. I don’t have time for it.”

Breakout star...Actor Katherine Heigl was a fan favorite as Dr Izzie Stevens on Grey's Anatomy. Picture: Supplied

Heigl, who along with her manager mother has gained a reputation for being difficult, had a famously tumultuous time on the hit medial drama that made her a star.

She won an Emmy for playing doctor Izzie Stevens in 2007, but the next year turned down another Emmy nomination because the thought the show’s quality had slipped.

“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 organisatin, I withdrew my name from contention,” said Heigel at the time.

Canddid...Showrunner Rhimes has created hit shows Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, and says she won’t work with ‘nasty’ people. Picture: AP

Two years later, Heigel left the show to embark on a rom com career.

She is returning to American TV screens next month with a new CIA drama State of Affairs.

The actor was put on the spot while promoting her new show, with one asking her if she really was “difficult”.

“I can only say that I certainly don’t see myself as being difficult and I don’t intend to be difficult,” Heigel said.

“I don’t think my mother sees herself as being difficult. I think it’s always important to everybody to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully and kindly. So if I have ever disappointed somebody, it was never intentional.”