Why Did Diane Neal Leave Law & Order: SVU?
Lifestyle - News
By JOEY KEOGH
Diane Neal first joined the cast of "Law & Order: SVU" in 2001, and has since appeared in over 100 episodes. Neal was one of several "Law & Order" actors who appeared on the show before obtaining a main role, but despite a few cameo appearances in the years since, his exit from the show in 2012 appears to have stuck.
After violating due process, Neal's character, assistant district attorney Casey Novak, left the show in Season 9 and reappeared briefly in Seasons 12 and 13. An inside source remarked at the time of her leaving, "Diane spent five years on 'SVU' and was a tremendous addition to the 'SVU' team. She is looking forward to new opportunities and she will be missed."
Since leaving "Law & Order: SVU," Neal has kept busy, but the reason for her departure remains a mystery. Despite initial reports suggesting that Neal's contract had expired, speculations arose she had been fired; however, Neal refused to comment, noting that "Rumors are rumors," and only confirming, "I love the crew. The crew loves me."
Following her abrupt departure from the hit show, allegations arose that Neal had labeled her "Law & Order: SVU" co-stars "awful people," with series regular Mariska Hargitay being referred to as a "total b***h." When asked about it, Neal said there was "no truth" to the claims and laughed, saying, "That's the funniest thing I've ever heard."