Barbie Ferreira Clarifies Departure from ‘Euphoria’ in Candid Podcast

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Barbie Ferreira, best known for her role as Kat Hernandez on HBO‘s hit series ‘Euphoria,’ addressed her recent departure from the show during an episode of ‘The Viall Files‘ podcast on Wednesday. The actress confirmed that her exit was a mutual decision, a clarification that counters speculation of backstage drama.

“I think it was very mutual so it wasn’t just my choice,” Ferreira, 28, said in the podcast. She elaborated, stating there was a lack of direction for her character, leading to the decision to part ways. “Instead of me just lingering around for nine months, I think it was best for both of us that we just kind of ended it there.”

Ferreira emphasized there was no behind-the-scenes controversy surrounding her exit, a rebuttal to earlier reports addressed by HBO in 2022. “I never walked off set; there was never anything like that,” she stated. “You could ask the hundreds of people who were there every day.”

The actress also revealed she’s still on good terms with her former castmates, including Hunter Schafer, Maude Apatow, and Sydney Sweeney. “So I mean they’re all so busy. I’ve been out of town for, like, eight months, so I’m like, whoever is in town, we always try to see each other,” Ferreira said, mentioning their support for her recent Broadway project, ‘Cult of Love.’

Amid her discussion of ‘Euphoria,’ Ferreira also shared her grief over the sudden death of her co-star Angus Cloud, who passed away in July 2023 at the age of 25 from an accidental drug overdose. “I don’t think I’ve ever been through anything like that,” Ferreira admitted, reflecting her deep emotional impact from the loss. “Angus was the coolest guy, the craziest dude… It’s really tragic.”

Ferreira first announced her departure from ‘Euphoria’ in an emotional Instagram post in August 2022. “After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I’m having to say a very teary-eyed goodbye,” she wrote, expressing her hope that fans found joy in her character’s journey. “I hope many of you could see yourself in her like I did.”

In an earlier statement in April 2023, Ferreira reflected on her character’s trajectory, stating, “I don’t think there was a place for her to go. I just don’t think it would have fit into the show.”

‘Euphoria,’ which gained a massive following and acclaim for its raw storytelling, is set to return for a third season in 2024. Ferreira’s departure has raised questions among fans as the series continues its narrative journey without her character.

As Ferreira embarks on her new projects, she’s navigating a career filled with artistic promise and facing the challenges that come with it, maintaining a focus on her growth as an actress.