“NCIS” has had its fair share of behind-the-scenes controversy despite its long history of success. One of the most prominent exits was Cote de Pablo, who played Ziva David and stunned fans in 2013.
De Pablo remained tight-lipped about her reasons for leaving, citing personal reasons. However, speculation swirled, especially given her strained relationship with co-star Pauley Perrette.
Perrette, who played Abby Sciuto, had a well-documented quarrel with de Pablo, which influenced the latter’s decision to leave the program. Despite de Pablo’s brief reappearance in Season 17, the reasons for her leaving remain unclear.
As “NCIS” continues its enduring success, the drama behind the scenes serves as a reminder that even the most beloved shows aren’t immune to backstage tensions.
A T-Shirt and A Poorly Timed Tweet Sparked A Brief Feud
Cote de Pablo’s abrupt departure from NCIS startled fans and co-stars, including Pauley Perrette, who expressed her admiration and best wishes for her colleague at the 2013 Summer TCA press event. Perrette denied that any backstage controversy influenced de Pablo’s departure.
However, her choice of attire, a “I love my job” t-shirt, and a subsequent tweet with the same message followed by #NCIS sparked speculation of a dig at de Pablo. The social media feud prompted Perrette to briefly deactivate her Twitter account amidst backlash. Reports suggest de Pablo may have intervened, but neither party confirmed.
Was the NCIS Cast Disappointed That de Pablo Had Left Just Days Before Production Began?
Cote de Pablo’s abrupt departure from “NCIS” only days before Season 11 production left the cast and crew angry, according to co-star David McCallum.
Her leaving necessitated rewriting the first five episodes, which caused logistical complications. McCallum expressed confusion about her decision, given the show’s global success. Despite the complications, “NCIS” aired smoothly, and de Pablo returned for recurring roles in Seasons 16 and 17.
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