Ice-T Dismisses Claims Of ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Becoming ‘Woke’

Ice-T has brushed off recent criticism that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has become too “woke” in its recent seasons.

The 66-year-old actor, who has played Sergeant Odafin “Fin” Tutuola on the NBC crime show since 2000, replied to a fan’s comment on social media platform X. When the fan asked if the show had gone back to “normal” after supposedly becoming “woke,” Ice-T responded honestly, saying he didn’t really understand what “woke” meant and didn’t care much about such criticisms.

Ice-T’s role as Tutuola is the second longest-running character in the show’s history, surpassed only by Mariska Hargitay‘s Olivia Benson. In a January interview, the actor described SVU as a “special” series, noting its unique impact on viewers.

“It’s the first time I’ve done something where people approach me on the street to say thank you,” Ice-T said. He added that the show serves as both entertainment and a form of therapy for many viewers, particularly survivors of trauma.

The actor, who initially signed on for just four episodes, joked about his unexpected 25-year tenure on the series. “It became a four-episode stint that ended up lasting 25 years,” he quipped.

Law & Order: SVU continues to break records, with NBC recently announcing its renewal for a historic 26th season. The series already holds the title for the longest-running primetime live-action series in television history.

The upcoming season, featuring Hargitay, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino and Octavio Pisano, is set to premiere on October 3 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.