Fans of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit may have noticed that Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola has been largely absent from season 27 — and according to Ice-T, the reason is purely financial.

In a recent interview with TMZ, the 67-year-old actor and rapper addressed concerns about his reduced presence on the long-running NBC procedural. Ice-T explained that the decision came down to budgeting priorities following major cast changes.

“It’s just business,” he said. “They brought Kelli Giddish back, and at the end of the day, they couldn’t really keep both of us full-time, budget-wise.”

Giddish, who reprises her role as Amanda Rollins, returned to the series earlier this season, a move that was widely celebrated by fans. Ice-T acknowledged that producers were upfront with him about the situation and assured him that the change was not a reflection of his value to the show.

“They told me, ‘Ice, we’re going to have you come in and out this year,’” he recalled. “Everybody wanted Kelli back, and we’ve also got new cops coming in.”

Ice-T, who has portrayed Fin since season 2 and remains one of the show’s most enduring cast members alongside Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson, emphasized that his reduced role does not signal an exit.

“I’m not leaving the show,” he stressed. “I’m more focused on getting to season 28. That’s the goal.”

He added that he fully understood the network’s decision and had no issues with stepping back temporarily. Still, he admitted that he briefly questioned whether the move hinted at a larger change.

“I asked them, ‘Are you getting rid of me?’” Ice-T revealed. “And they said, ‘No way. We can’t imagine Law & Order without you.’”

Interestingly, the actor said the strong reaction from fans actually reassured him.

“I’m kind of glad people are upset,” he joked. “If I disappeared and nobody noticed, that would be a problem.”

Fin’s absence was written directly into the storyline. In the season 27 premiere, the character was attacked by two assailants, robbed of his firearm, and hospitalized with serious injuries. After recovering offscreen and undergoing physical therapy, Fin returned briefly in the November 13 episode, “False Idols.”

While his colleagues — including Benson and Rollins — welcomed him back warmly, Benson expressed concern that he might be returning to duty too soon. During a case investigation, Fin appeared shaken and uncertain, later admitting to Benson that the assault was still weighing heavily on him.

“I just need a little more time,” he said. “To get my head right.”

Benson responded with reassurance, telling him there would “always” be a place for him on the squad. The exchange strongly suggested that Fin’s on-and-off presence would continue throughout the season.

Ice-T later confirmed that assessment, telling TMZ he would be “sprinkled throughout” season 27 rather than appearing weekly.

Despite the reduced workload, Ice-T made it clear he harbors no resentment toward the series that has employed him for nearly three decades.

“I’ve been on this show for 27 years,” he said. “I’m not going to say anything negative about it. They’ve taken care of me for a long time.”

In the meantime, Ice-T has been keeping busy with other projects, including music. Ever the hustler, he joked that extra free time simply means new opportunities.

“Don’t worry about me,” he said with a laugh. “Worry about earthquakes. I’ll be fine.”

NBC has not yet commented on the casting adjustments. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is scheduled to return with new episodes on Thursday, January 8, at 8 p.m. ET.