Barbie Ferreira says it was a “mutual decision” between her and producer Sam Levinson to exit “Euphoria” following Season 2 — despite ongoing feud rumors between the two.
During a recent appearance on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, the actress revealed she decided to leave the Emmy-winning series after feeling like her character’s storyline had run its course.
“I don’t think there was a place for [Kat] to go,” the 26-year-old said. “I think there were places she could have gone. I just don’t think it would have fit into the show.”
While starring in the series, Ferreira played a plus-size high schooler named Kat Hernandez who developed a cam-girl alter ego while trying to come into her own.
She continued, “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.”
Given the time-consuming nature of the work, Ferreira went on to explain that it was “a struggle” trying to balance the show with other projects — especially when her character seemed to be placed on the back burner.
“Sam writes for, like, things that he relates to. I don’t think he relates to Kat. I like Kat, so I get to go on my own path. At first, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I’m a flop. I’m a loser.’ It really has been a good thing,” she explained.
Rumors swirled for months that the actress and Levinson had a massive falling out prior to Ferreira’s departure from the series in August 2022.
In fact, one insider later revealed that Levinson was “making [cast members] cry” while working and would “scream at them” on set to try and get them to give more emotional performances.
However, they also claimed Ferreira’s “attitude” and “ego” played a big role in the drama.
Despite all the speculation surrounding her exit, Ferreira claimed it was all just rumors.
“I kind of got sucked into this drama that I never asked to be in and that I’ve never talked about. I’m of the mindset that if it doesn’t exist I’m not going to address it because then I’m adding fuel to it. It’s taken on a life of its own. Don’t believe everything you read.”