Mariska Hargitay, a Law & Order icon, has shed light on why she was unable to stop Kelli Giddish’s controversial exit from Law & Order: SVU. Hargitay, who has played the lead character Olivia Benson since the show’s debut in 1999, has appeared in over 500 episodes. Meanwhile, Giddish portrayed Detective Amanda Rollins, a fan-favorite character, and both actresses have made appearances on the spinoff series Law & Order: Organized Crime.
In a recent interview with Variety, Hargitay opened up about Giddish’s departure. Despite her efforts to keep Giddish on the show, she was unsuccessful. Hargitay expressed her admiration for Giddish, describing her as “[her] favorite actor to work with” and “[her] heart.” She lamented, “It’s a sore subject. I have a lot of say on the show, but I didn’t have enough there. I don’t like not being listened to, especially when I’m right. That relationship was one of the most powerful relationships in television because you saw these two badass women, so flawed and so there for each other.”
Kelli Giddish’s Law & Order Exit Explained
Giddish played Amanda Rollins on Law & Order: SVU for 11 years, beginning in season 13 and ending in season 24, episode 9. Her departure was announced partway through season 24, surprising many fans. It was later revealed that Giddish did not leave the show willingly but was pushed out due to salary disputes, unable to negotiate proper compensation. This decision sparked widespread controversy and outrage among fans who found her departure unjust.
Hargitay has been vocal in her support of Giddish. In September 2022, she praised Giddish as “one of [her] favorite actors that [she’s] ever worked with” and said Giddish’s exit was a “hard one.” Hargitay emphasized the strength of Giddish’s character, Amanda Rollins, noting that “she was somebody that really took care of [Olivia Benson] and had [her] back.”
Since leaving Law & Order: SVU as a main cast member, Giddish has returned as Rollins three times: in season 24, episode 22, “All Pain is One Malady,” season 25, episode 1, “Tunnel Blind,” and the upcoming episode “Prima Nocta,” which premieres on May 2. Rollins’ return demonstrates the character’s continued relevance in the show. If Hargitay had more influence, Rollins would still be a regular fixture on SVU.
Law & Order: SVU airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on NBC.