Why did Imani leave The Chi? Reason behind Jasmine Davis’ exit, explored

The Chi introduced Imani as a key character during the third season, but her sudden disappearance after season 4 raised plenty of eyebrows amongst people online.

As fans looked forward to her story arc evolving, actress Jasmine Davis' abrupt departure from the show brought speculation. While her official reasoning cited personal discomfort on set, deeper reports hinted at more layered issues behind the scenes.

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Sudden departure shakes up Imani’s storyline in The Chi

Imani's presence on The Chi began in season 3, quickly building intrigue as the partner of Trig, played by Luke James. With Trig's growing involvement in the show, many assumed Imani's arc would deepen too. However, that arc was then cut short.

Her final appearance was in the season 4 finale, and she was absent from both seasons 5 and 6 without any on-screen closure.

The absence wasn't brushed off entirely though. Trig mentioned Imani's exit, but the show did not dwell much on the details. Davis who identifies as a trans woman had then publicly confirmed her exit ahead of season 5 of The Chi. Davis put out a tweet on X in April 2022 saying;

She also put out another tweet saying;

Which here clearly alludes to toxicity on set and her being unhappy with the environment being created around her. Now while Davis cited these claims as personal unhappiness on set, no formal complaints were confirmed by the production studio.

According to Page Six, a source connected to 20th Television refuted the claims of toxicity stating;

“All of Jasmine’s comments are simply retaliatory.”

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Behind-the-scenes controversy fuels speculation

Public remarks from Davis hinted at ideological and environmental discomfort while working on The Chi, particularly following controversy around Disney's handling of the so called "Don't Say Gay" bill in Florida. Her tweets suggested dissatisfaction with the studio's stance and culture, reinforcing her decision to leave.

However, according to Page Six reports, her exit may have been triggered by an internal investigation. An unnamed insider claimed Davis allegedly submitted a falsified Covid-19 vaccination card while requesting an exemption.

This act reportedly prompted an inquiry from the producers, after which Davis resigned from The Chi. Neither Davis nor 20th Television confirmed those allegations publicly, but the insider insisted the investigation played the most major role in the exit.

Davis also voiced her frustrations on X by tweeting;

She also reflected on the hostility she faced for coming out as trans during her time on the show, by putting this out on an Ebony interview saying;

“I was probably getting more love than hate, but the hate was so directed and so loud and in my face.”

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Though her time on The Chi ended without much fanfare, Jasmine Davis' portrayal of Imani left a mark on the show. Her exit, steeped in personal challenges and alleged behind-the-scenes conflict, remains a point of curiosity for many.

Despite the sudden end, Davis has since moved forward with new roles, continuing her journey in TV and film.

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