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Demore Barnes on His LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT Exit

September 16, 2021 by  

SVU Demore Barnes Exit

LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT — “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing” Episode 22016 — Pictured: Demore Barnes as Deputy Chief Christian Garland — (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)

Ahead of LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS’ season premiere, star Demore Barnes (who has played Chief Garland since season 21) has released a statement about his upcoming exit.

“In the midst of what’s transpired, there are things I know, and things I don’t,” he said in an Instagram video. (The full text is included below, along with his video.) “What I know is that it is almost every actor’s desired rite of passage to appear on just one episode of SVU. And yet here I am. I’ve not only gone on to do more than one episode, but I know I’ve done it with style.”

Barnes thanked his on- and off-screen colleagues for their support, but noted to fans: “Do not hear that I was just happy to be here. That’s not what I’m saying. Because while I know you were happy I was here, and I’m happy I was here, I also know you’re sad and surprised—and I am, too. And don’t totally know why this has happened…I also know that I hope…Wolf Entertainment’s leadership and giving me opportunity to amplify a vital voice and story will result in many studios continuing to open doors of opportunity for others to do the same. This must continue. So please, everyone, continue to do your part to support change and amplify the voices and stories that injustice, in its many forms, seeks to silence.”

Read and watch his full statement below…

Hi, everyone. Thank you so much for your understanding and patience. I wanted to ensure that I’m able to bring my level best in a statement to the SVU crew, my castmates, NBC, Wolf Entertainment, and all of you.

And yet, in the midst of what’s transpired, there are things I know, and things I don’t. What I know is that it is almost every actor’s desired rite of passage to appear on just one episode of SVU. And yet here I am. I’ve not only gone on to do more than one episode, but I know I’ve done it with style.

I also know—now on the other side of our having made it through this past season of filming, in the minefield of COVID, with fear, and without fallen colleagues—that I am honored and proud to have helped this storied franchise bridge its most difficult year in its record-breaking run. And that the show did it with style. I also know that I’m proud to have played a significant role in SVU achieving it’s highest ratings this past season, than it’s had in several years. And that both Garland and I were so very well-loved and embraced by you from day one.

I am also so very proud to portray the first Black Deputy Chief in SVU history. I also know I love and respect my castmates: Ice [T], Pete [Scanavino], Kelli [Giddish], Jamie [Gray Hyder] and Mariska [Hargitay]. I’m grateful they love and respect me back.

The SVU crew: I’m grateful for you and for your skilled, humble, steadfast way you lead our show from behind and help the cast and myself shine. The SVU writers room and producers, I loved giving form and voice and soul to your words and to Garland. [Executive producers] Warren Leight and Julie Martin, collaborating and brainstorming with you was a joy and I’m proud of our work and impact. Thank you for your leadership and invitation to your creative process.

Mariska, for spearheading my shift to series regular, alongside Warren, Julie, and [casting director] Jonathan Strauss, and for your love and generosity and on and off camera, thank you. NBC, for giving myself and SVU a coveted primetime slot and launchpad to create and entertain and amplify the voice of survivors. Thank you.

Wolf Entertainment for this that I said to you personally, and now say again publicly: I know none of this would have been possible had you not signed off on my joining the cast. Thank you.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Do not hear that I was just happy to be here. That’s not what I’m saying. Because while I know you were happy I was here, and I’m happy I was here, I also know you’re sad and surprised—and I am, too. And don’t totally know why this has happened. But–I also know that I hope, I hope Wolf Entertainment’s leadership and giving me opportunity to amplify a vital voice and story will result in many studios continuing to open doors of opportunity for others to do the same. This must continue. So please, everyone, continue to do your part to support change and amplify the voices and stories that injustice, in its many forms, seeks to silence. Chief Garland and I will not have it any other way. I love you all.



 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Demore Barnes (@demorebarnes)

LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, Season Premiere, Thursday, September 23, 8/7c, NBC

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