Erica Hahn's departure from Grey's Anatomy in season 5 was not due to actress Brooke Smith being fired or leaving voluntarily. The decision was made by ABC, as the studio was uncomfortable with the direction of Hahn's relationship with Callie. Hahn abruptly quit her job after an argument with Callie about Izzie's actions. Smith learned about her character's exit suddenly and Hahn hasn't appeared on the show since. Grey's Anatomy has faced controversy in handling the departure of characters, and Hahn's exit left the audience without any closure.