When Grey's Anatomy star Katherine Heigl withdrew her own name from Emmy contention, rumors of her departure from the show grew rapidly.

But creator Shonda Rhimes says there are no hard feelings.

"I didn't feel insulted," Rhimes said late last week in Los Angeles. "I have a wonderful working relationship with Katherine Heigl, and Izzie is one of my favorite characters. So when I heard her comment, it was a bit surprising."

Rhimes, who also serves as executive producer or Grey's Anatomy, added, "But Katie is an outspoken person, and I think we all knew that already."

But according to a source, in response to Heigl's griping, the writers are considering giving her character, Dr. Izzie Stevens, a fatal brain tumor.

ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson sort of denied that last week, though his vague comments certainly did not quell the speculation.

Do you think Shonda Rhimes is really planning Izzie's demise?

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.