Katherine Heigl has long had a reputation as being difficult to work with, but the actress says that just isn’t the case.
On Sunday at the Television Critics Association to promote her new series “State of Affairs,” Heigl told a panel of reporters, “I would never intend to be difficult. I don’t think my mother sees herself as being difficult. I think it’s important to everybody to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully and kindly, so if I’ve ever disappointed somebody, it was never intentional.”
Perhaps she’s just trying to make amends given that her career in recent years hasn’t been all that happening, although she did have that starring role in a Vicks ZzzQuil commercial. There’s plenty of evidence that shows she isn’t exactly a pleasure to work with.
Here, some of her most difficult moments over the years:
‘Knocked Up’ sexist comment controversy
In an interview with Vanity Fair for the January 2008 issue she said: “It paints the women as shrews, as humorless and uptight, and it paints the men as lovable, goofy, fun-loving guys. It exaggerated the characters, and I had a hard time with it, on some days. I’m playing such a bitch; why is she being such a killjoy? Why is this how you’re portraying women? Ninety-eight percent of the time it was an amazing experience, but it was hard for me to love the movie.”
Emmy nomination withdrawal
After nabbing the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2007, she withdrew her name from the 2008 Emmys list of TV contenders, telling the LA Times: “I did not feel that I was given material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination, and in an effort to maintain the integrity of the academy organization, I withdrew my name from contention.”
Extreme salary demands
Heigl’s ridiculous salary demands priced her out of the 2010 romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day.” The actress allegedly asked to be paid $3 million, which insiders called “ridiculous” given the fact that it was an ensemble film and shooting days for each cast member were limited.
The film went on to feature seemingly less demanding (and higher-profile) stars such as Julia Roberts, Queen Latifah, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx.
Publicist problems
Heigl ditched her New York publicist, Jill Fritzo, for West Coast-based flack Melissa Kates, only to have Kates reportedly fire her as a client in 2010 in an unusual move.
Sues Duane Reade for a tweet
After drugstore chain Duane Reade used images of her in its social media advertising, Heigl took legal action earlier this year.
The company sent out a tweet with a paparazzi photo of Heigl carrying a Duane Reade shopping bag, and the actress sued for $6 million in compensatory and punitive damages. The suit has yet to be settled.