Behind The Scenes Salary Drama That Led to Kelli Giddish Leaving SVU
It was just as hard for Kelli Giddish to say goodbye to her beloved character – Detective Amanda Rollins from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – as it was for fans.
The 42-year-old actress recently made her final appearance on the show amid a ton of controversy and drama.
While Amanda had a happy ending on the show after marrying Carisi (Peter Scanavino) and electing to leave the unit for a teaching opportunity, the real outcome is not nearly as glorious. In fact, as the more details emerge, the messier the situation appears on Law & Order.
It was initially reported in August 2022 that Giddish would be leaving the show after releasing a statement through NBC.
In the statement, Giddish confirmed the departure and noted that playing the character was one of her "greatest joys and privileges." Giddish also added that she learned a lot during her time on SVU and will put this knowledge "toward everything that's next to come."
There were many fans that immediately speculated foul play considering that none of the other regulars were scheduled to depart from the show. Moreover, Giddish had been on the SVU for more than a decade, indicating that something had gone sour. Those suspicions became real when it was confirmed that it was not Giddish's final decision to leave the series.
According to multiple sources, the executives behind the hit series wanted to shake up the cast and felt like removing Giddish was the best option. Furthermore, salary negotiations between the actor and the show's producers had stalled, prompting Law & Order to make a rash decision. Be that as it may, it was reported at the time that co-star Mariska Hargitay had lobbied hard for Giddish to remain in the cast.
Nevertheless, the decision was made and Giddish recently made her final appearance on SVU during the December 8, 2022 episode: "And a Trauma in a Pear Tree". Recently, she sat down with Variety to discuss the controversy. "My side of things is just that it's time," Giddish defended the controversial exit. "...[It] just seemed the right place to leave it."
However, many fans feel like those comments glaze over the behind-the-scenes drama that was apparent on Law & Order. In fact, the series showrunner – David Graziano – has recently been accused of misconduct, including his "toxic" mistreatment of women on the set. It's a revelation that Giddish described as "alarming" though she failed to expand further on the scandal.
Notwithstanding, it could certainly explain the rash exodus from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit . Giddish originally joined the series in 2011 following the departure of Christopher Meloni. Law & Order: SVU currently stars Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T.