Cote de Pablo’s departure from NCIS shocked fans, but the real reason behind her exit remains a topic of speculation. While CBS initially claimed it was her decision to leave, reports suggest that contract disputes and creative differences played a significant role. De Pablo, who portrayed Ziva David, was reportedly unhappy with the direction her character was taking and felt the new scripts did not do Ziva justice.

Behind the scenes, there were also rumors that CBS was unwilling to meet her salary demands, leading to a standoff that resulted in her abrupt departure. Fans were outraged, especially since her exit left many unanswered questions about Ziva’s fate. Although the show later brought her back for a brief storyline, it was clear that her time as a full-time cast member had come to an end.

Despite her departure, De Pablo has expressed gratitude for her time on NCIS, though she has remained firm in her decision not to return permanently. Her exit remains one of the most controversial in the show’s history, leaving fans wondering what could have been if things had played out differently behind the scenes.