Grey's Anatomy Casting Rumors: Heartthrob Patrick Dempsey Denies Being Fired for "Inappropriate" Behavior

Patrick Dempsey's departure from ABC's hit medical drama, "Grey's Anatomy" was a shock to many.

Although the 49-year-old actor and the show's creator, Shonda Rhimes, stated that they agreed to kill off his character, Dr. Derek Shepherd, new stories are reporting that Dempsey was actually fired.

These rumors are claiming that Dempsey's co-star, Ellen Pompeo, who plays his love interest Meredith Grey, found out about his "inappropriate affair" and got him fired.

"Ellen Pompeo found out and was angry because she's close friends with Jillian, so of course, she told her," a source said to In Touch (the article, which was titled "Ellen got Patrick Fired" has been taken down). Jillian Fink is Dempsey's ex-wife. She filed for divorce in January after more than 10 years of marriage.

Dempsey was allegedly having an affair with a young woman on the program. Rhimes reportedly found out about the relationship and ultimately decided to write him off the show.

The In Touch source added, "[Rhimes] has no patience for that kind of behavior."

Rhimes and Pompeo have not commented on these latest rumors. Dempsey's rep reportedly told Gossip Cop that the rumors are "ridiculous."

In regards to his departure from the show, Dempsey stated that he was happy with his final scene.

"It just kind of happened," he told Entertainment Weekly. "It really was something that was kind of surprising that unfolded, and it just naturally came to be. Which was pretty good. I like the way it has all played out."

Dempsey and Fink have three children, 13-year-old Talula and eight-year-old twins, Darby and Sullivan.