Ice-T is clearing up any rumors about his screen time on Law & Order: SVU.
After series mainstay Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T is the longest-running actor on the Dick Wolf series, as he joined in 2000 during the show’s second season.
Clearing up questions regarding the current season
Fans have begun to wonder what’s going on with Ice-T after he’s only appeared in four of eight Law & Order: SVU episodes this season.
“It’s just basically business,” the rapper turned actor explained during an interview with TMZ.
“They brought Kelli [Giddish] back. At the end of the day, they couldn’t keep both of us on both times, as far as budget-wise,” Ice-T continued.
Kelli Giddish, the actor who portrayed detective Amanda Rollins from Seasons 13 to 24, was initially written off as a main character after that season, but has now returned full-time for the show’s 27th season. Rollins and Ice-T’s Odafin “Fin” Tutuola are partners on the show.
Now that questions regarding Ice-T’s status on the show have been cleared up, he’s assuring fans that he isn’t going anywhere despite the limited Law & Order: SVU screen time.
“They said, ‘Ice, we’ll have you come in and out this year.’ Everybody wanted Kelli back. We have new cops. I am not leaving the show. I am more concerned with going to Season 28. This year, they said, ‘Ice, we’re going to work you a little less.’ Everything was cool with me. I understood. I said, ‘Are you getting rid of me?’ They said, ‘No way. We can’t imagine Law and Order without you,” Ice-T said. “I’ve been on this show for 27 years. I am not going to say anything negative about this show. They have taken care of me for so long. I’m trying to get to Season 28.”
He also said that the free time is opening up the opportunity for him to explore other avenues, like returning to music.
“Don’t worry about me. I am kind of glad the fans are upset,” Ice-T said regarding his limited screen time in Season 27. “What if I was missing and nobody cared? I will be sprinkled throughout this season.”