New York City – Sara Ramirez, a nonbinary actor known for their role as Che Diaz in the HBO Max series “And Just Like That …,” has been let go from the show, reportedly due to the unpopularity of their character. According to a report by the Daily Mail, Ramirez’s portrayal of Che Diaz was deemed a “waste of airtime.” The decision to axe Ramirez from the series has sparked controversy and raised questions about the true reason behind their departure.
In a recent Instagram post, Ramirez hinted that their firing may have been influenced by their pro-Palestinian stance. They mentioned that while awards are given out, casting directors and agents are creating blacklists of actors who express support for Palestinians, ensuring that they will struggle to find work in the industry. Ramirez has actively participated in pro-Palestinian marches and protests, including a recent demonstration in Brooklyn.
However, insiders from the “And Just Like That …” production team have a different story. According to a source close to the show, Ramirez had been on the chopping block since the previous season due to the diminishing relevance of their character. Che Diaz, a comedian and podcast host, was initially in a relationship with Miranda, played by Cynthia Nixon, but their storyline came to an end in Season 2.
The controversy surrounding Ramirez’s firing can also be seen in contrast to Nixon’s continued involvement in the series. Nixon, who is vocal about her support for pro-Palestinian causes, has not faced similar consequences and remains a part of the show. This disparity has raised questions about the true motivations behind Ramirez’s departure.
Ramirez’s time on the hit series “Grey’s Anatomy” was also mentioned as a factor in their firing. The source pointed out that the struggling comedian storyline portrayed by Ramirez in “And Just Like That …” didn’t hold the same significance as their previous character on “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Ramirez, who has previously addressed criticism of their character, emphasized that they are not responsible for the opinions and actions of the fictional roles they portray. They added that they are an artist and an actor who challenges mainstream norms, especially regarding gender identity.
The departure of Ramirez has left fans divided, with some finding the character annoying while others appreciated their representation as a queer nonbinary individual. As the controversy surrounding Ramirez’s firing continues to unfold, fans and industry insiders eagerly await further developments.
“And Just Like That …” is a spinoff of the iconic HBO series “Sex and the City” and features actors such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis. The show has faced delays due to strikes, and Season 3 is not set to premiere until 2025.
When reached for comment, both Ramirez’s representative and HBO Max declined to provide a statement on the matter.