Ice-T is explaining his reduced screen time in the new season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Since season 27 premiered on NBC in September, the 67-year-old actor has only appeared in four of the eight episodes.
In a new interview, Ice-T revealed that his reduced screen time is partly due to the fact that Kelli Giddish returned as a full-time cast member for the new season.
Keep reading to find out more…“It’s just basically business. They brought Kelli back,” Ice-T told TMZ. “At the end of the day, they couldn’t keep both of us on both times, as far as budget-wise.”
“They said, ‘Ice, we’ll have you come in and out this year,’” Ice-T continued. “Everybody wanted Kelli back. We have new cops. I am not leaving the show.”
“I am more concerned with going to Season 28,” he admitted. “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 added, “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 new free time has allowed him to do “other things,” like work on new music.
“Don’t worry about me. I am kind of glad the fans are upset. What if I was missing and nobody cared?” Ice-T said. “I will be sprinkled throughout this season.”
Last year, Ice-T fired back at criticism that SVU has become too “woke.”
New episodes of Law & Order: SVU air on Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC.
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