Shonda Rhimes is opening up about why she has taken a step back from social media amid the unprecedented success of Grey's Anatomy. <\/p>\n
With the hit ABC medical drama in its historic 20th season, the Emmy-nominated show creator, 54, told The Sunday Times that she has seen a shift in the fanbase since the series began in 2005. <\/p>\n
Social media changed, she shared. Fans have passionate feelings, and I was always fine with that. I understand that the characters felt like their friends. They were my imaginary friends too. Thats why I was writing them. And I think people just had very strong feelings about what happened with their friends. <\/p>\n
She then took a pause, adding, But then it became weird. <\/p>\n
Craig Sjodin\/ABC via Getty Images <\/p>\n
The mother of three revealed that she requested a police car to be parked outside her house for a week following Greys Anatomy season finales due to death threats from angry fans. <\/p>\n
They got mean, she said of her decision. And you never knew who was going to really take offense in the wrong way. <\/p>\n
In fact, she took additional measures including hiring private 24-hour security at her Los Angeles home because people are dangerous and strange. <\/p>\n
However, the showrunner who is a mom to Harper, 21, Emerson Pearl, 11, and Beckett, 10 also discussed the mental toll of fearing for her personal safety. <\/p>\n
I wanted to just be able to walk out my front door and hang out with my kids and not be worried. I would lay awake at night with stress, she explained. <\/p>\n
She admitted the experience affected a lot of things, adding, I had some very helpful friends whod had similar experiences, who were able to give me a lot of perspective, and who were adamant that if you cant live normally then youre not going to be able to live. <\/p>\n
She has since moved out of Los Angeles to a state she wont name. <\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Rhimes celebrated Grey's Anatomy being renewed for season 21, extending its record as the longest-running primetime medical drama and the networks longest-running primetime scripted series. <\/p>\n
This picture was taken in 2015, she shared of a throwback photo of the cast during the celebration for their 250th episode. To still be on your screens, in your living rooms, and in your hearts almost ten years later - words cannot express my gratitude. <\/p>\n
Greys was something I made up 20+ years ago, and I am so incredibly proud that its been picked up for its 21st season, she continued. This honestly could not be possible without you guys..caring about the stories I tell, the talented cast, writers, and crew. Wow. <\/p>\n
Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. <\/p>\n
Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. <\/p>\n
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Visit link: Shonda Rhimes is opening up about why she has taken a step back from social media amid the unprecedented success of Grey's Anatomy. With the hit ABC medical drama in its historic 20th season, the Emmy-nominated show creator, 54, told The Sunday Times that she has seen a shift in the fanbase since the series began in 2005. Continue reading
\nShonda Rhimes Says She Hired Security After 'Passionate' 'Grey's Anatomy' Fans 'Got Mean' Over Season Finales - PEOPLE<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"