AceShowbiz - Sarah Drew has shared her thoughts on her unceremonious departure from "Grey's Anatomy" after nine seasons. In an episode of the "Call It What It Is" podcast co-hosted by her former co-stars Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington, Drew revealed that she was "let go in a way that felt mean and unjust."

Despite her initial sadness, Drew expressed gratitude for the immense outpouring of love she received after the news broke in 2018. She likened the experience to "attending [my] own funeral."

Following her exit, Drew directed the "Grey's Anatomy" shortform series "B-Team," which earned an Emmy nomination. This recognition gave her a newfound confidence. "The nomination after the fact made me go, 'I don't need to be worried about anything,' " she said.

Despite her departure, Drew has since returned to "Grey's Anatomy" as a guest star in seasons 17 and 18. She explained that returning to the show was "freeing" because she no longer felt the same attachment or need from her former colleagues.

In a separate interview, Drew shared that her character April Kepner was originally supposed to have a one-night stand with Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) in season 7. However, the writers changed the storyline to instead include Sloan and Reed (Nora Zehetner). Drew stated that she had no involvement in the decision to alter the plot.