Mariska Hargitay, star of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (SVU) since its 1999 premiere, has garnered critical acclaim, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe, for her role as Detective Olivia Benson. Diane Neal joined the cast in Season 5 as Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak, a role she held until 2008 amid rumors of her firing. Despite Neal’s earlier praise of the SVU team, a lawsuit from her ex-boyfriend JB Benn revealed alleged derogatory comments Neal made about Hargitay and other cast members, though Neal denied these claims.
The Allegations and Responses
The allegations against Neal surfaced through a lawsuit by JB Benn, which cited an email Neal supposedly sent to her campaign manager, where she referred to Hargitay as a “total b***h” and labeled the rest of the cast, except Ice-T, as “awful people.” Neal refuted these claims, asserting she never sent such an email and maintained no animosity towards Hargitay or her co-stars. Despite these controversies, Neal returned for a brief stint in 2011, indicating professional reconciliation to some degree.
Hargitay’s On-Set Relationships
While the true nature of Hargitay’s relationship with Neal remains ambiguous, Hargitay is known for her positive rapport with other SVU cast members. Kelli Giddish and Ice-T have both praised Hargitay’s on-set demeanor, highlighting her humor and energy. Christopher Meloni, Hargitay’s long-time co-star, has also commended her, particularly during his speech at the Glamour Woman of the Year Awards in 2021, underscoring her supportive and fearless nature.
Diane Neal’s Shift from Acting to Politics
Post-SVU, Neal shifted her focus to politics, running an unsuccessful campaign for a U.S. House of Representatives seat in New York’s 19th congressional district in 2018. Despite her departure from acting and the controversies, Neal’s time on SVU and her interactions with the cast continue to intrigue fans and observers of the long-running series.
Conclusion
The tension between Mariska Hargitay and Diane Neal, highlighted by the allegations and Neal’s subsequent denials, adds a layer of complexity to their professional relationship on “Law & Order: SVU.” Hargitay’s strong bonds with other cast members further contrast the rumored discord, showcasing the multifaceted dynamics behind one of television’s most enduring crime dramas.