Barbie Ferreira is saying goodbye to Euphoria! The actress announced her departure to the HBO series via Instagram in August 2022. The announcement came months after rumors stirred that she was involved in a heated argument with Euphoria‘s creator, Sam Levinson. However, it seems like there was more to the decision.

“I feel like with season 2 and certain parts of it, I felt was a kind of a struggle for both parties. [Showrunner Sam], me … it was a struggle to find the continuation of her,” Barbie shared of her character, Kat, while appearing on the “Armchair Expert” podcast in April 2023. “So, that was actually really hurtful watching it and seeing the fans get upset.”

Keep reading to find out why the actress departed the series.

Did Barbie Ferreira Leave ‘Euphoria’?

“After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I’m having to say a very teary-eyed goodbye,” Barbie wrote on her Instagram story. “I hope many of you could see yourself in her like I did and that she brought you joy to see her journey into the character she is today. I put all my care and love into her and I hope you guys could feel it. Love you Katherine Hernandez.”

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Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO Max

Why Did Barbie Ferreira Leave ‘Euphoria’?

During the “Armchair Expert” podcast interview, Barbie explained that her departure from Euphoria was mostly due to the fact that her character had no real direction.

“I don’t think there was a place for her to go,” she said. “I think there were places she could have gone. I just don’t think it would have fit into the show. I don’t know if it was going to do her justice, and I think both parties knew that I really wanted to be able to not be the fat best friend. I don’t want to play that, and I think they didn’t want that either.”

The HBO star played fan-favorite character Kat Hernandez, who in season 1 became a symbol of body positivity during a journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening. Despite her impressive arc in the first season, her character took a backseat in season 2, which left viewers confused when her storyline faded to the background.

Prior to Barbie’s explanation, some fans speculated it might have to do with rumors of on-set tension with the show’s creator, Sam, after it was alleged that Barbie had stormed off set twice, which HBO refuted — but Barbie shut them down during Dax’s podcast.

“So, for me, when people ask me about season two, it’s usually they come at me with, like, I was some sort of victim to season 2,” she shared. “I’m always like, ‘No, it’s okay, promise. It’s good. I actually did not walk off set. I did sprain my ankle once and had to go get an X-ray.’ Maybe that’s what they mean?”

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