Law & Order: SVU returned for its Season 27, and fans have already noticed something that has bothered them. Ice-T, who has been a part of the series since its second season, all the way back in 2000, appears to be seen much less on the newest season. Ice-T is only second to Mariska Hargitay in the time that they've spent at SVU.Fans were quick to assume that there was some behind-the-scenes drama on the sets of Law & Order: SVU, owing to which Ice-T was seldom appearing on the new season. However, Ice-T, in a recent conversation with TMZ, revealed that this was not the case, and his absence was mainly the result of budget constraints.Keep reading to find out more.Ice-T opens up about his fewer appearances on Law & Order: SVU in Season 27Ice-T has been a part of Law & Order: SVU for the longest time, since 2000. However, Season 27 is the first time that his character Odafin "Fin" Tutuola appears comparably fewer times than in any other season. Fin has only been a part of 4 episodes out of the eight that have been released.Since this is also the season when Kelli Giddish's Amanda Rollins, who was part of SVU from Seasons 13-24, returned to the show, fans assumed that there was some backstage drama that led to Ice-T's lesser appearances. However, in a recent conversation with TMZ, Ice-T officially cleared up the rumor mill and said that it was actually just budget constraints that led to fewer appearances for him.He explained that since this season also featured the return of Kelli Giddish's Amanda Rollins, the budget did not allow the show to keep both of the seasoned actors on the show. It appears Giddish's Detective Rollins was chosen to be the one to appear full-time, and so Ice-T's Fin is seen less."It’s just basically business. They brought Kelli back. At the end of the day, they couldn’t keep both of us on both times, as far as budget-wise."He went on to explain that there was no drama. He was informed that he would be coming in and out this season and that even though he was not leaving Law & Order: SVU, there were new cops, and everyone wanted Kelli back:"They said, ‘Ice, we’ll have you come in and out this year.’ Everybody wanted Kelli back. We have new cops. I am not leaving the show. I am more concerned with going to Season 28. This year, they said, ‘Ice, we’re going to work you a little less.’ Everything was cool with me. I understood."He even went ahead to reiterate that he completely understood budgetary decisions and was never going to be spotted saying ill of Law & Order: SVU, as he's been a part of it for 27 years and they've always taken care of him:"I’ve been on this show for 27 years. I am not going to say anything negative about this show. They have taken care of me for so long. I’m trying to get to Season 28."Ice-T, being the positive force that he is, concluded by saying that being less involved in this season of Law & Order: SVU has given him the opportunity to spend some more time with his family and even work on other things.Keep following Soap Central for more such interesting insights into your favorite shows!