Ellen Pompeo's Laid-Back Red Carpet Look Sparks Backlash Amid Foot Injury

The "Grey's Anatomy" star opted for casual attire at a recent red carpet event to stay comfortable while recovering from a foot injury requiring a medical boot.

Ellen Pompeo, 55, sparked mixed reactions online after appearing in relaxed loungewear and a medical boot at a Tribeca Festival Storytellers event in New York City on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The "Grey's Anatomy" actress made a surprise appearance for a live conversation with journalist Katie Couric, where she also revealed how she injured her foot.

During the discussion, Couric, 68, asked, "What the hell happened to your foot?" prompting Pompeo to explain the cause of her injury.

“I wish it was, like, a cool, sexy or exciting story, like I was doing some cool stunts or something,” Pompeo said. Contrary to Couric’s assumption that it might have been caused by pickleball, Pompeo admitted it happened at home.

"I just, you know, was half asleep and jumped out of bed too quick and landed on my foot the wrong way. Somewhat clumsy of me,” she explained.

For the event, Pompeo wore a light orange matching set featuring a loose-fitting top and baggy sweatpants. She completed the outfit with a white sneaker on her left foot and a black orthopedic boot on her injured right foot.

Despite the practicality of her look, some fans online criticized her fashion choice. "Did she escape prison?" one netizen asked. "I thought she was in scrubs for a sec, [sic]" another commented. "Its giving orange is the new black [sic]" a third person posted.