‘Emily in Paris’ Actor Rupert Everett Claims He Was ‘Fired’ From the Show

Rupert Everett won’t be returning to Emily in Paris.

The 66-year-old actor claimed he was “fired” from the hit Netflix series after appearing as Italian fashion designer Giorgio Barbieri in the season 4 episode “All Roads Lead to Rome.”

“I did a scene in the latest season, and they told me, ‘Next year we’ll speak,’” Everett alleged in an interview with Vanity Fair. “I waited for them to call me — but ultimately, it never came, and they just fired me. Show business is always very difficult, from the beginning to the end. When they write the screenplay, they think they want you — but then things change, and they lose your character. I don’t know why.”

The two-time Golden Globe nominee admitted that he took the news hard, saying, “For me, it was a tragedy. I was in bed for two weeks because I couldn’t get over it.”

Netflix declined to comment when reached by PEOPLE.

A source close to the production told Vanity Fair that Everett was hired as a guest star, and his character’s storyline had come to a natural conclusion.

Despite no longer being a part of the series, his former costar Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu previously told PEOPLE that one of her most memorable scenes from season 4 was with Everett.

“I had so much fun with Rupert Everett in Rome,” the French actress shared in September. Though they didn’t previously know one another, she said, “it was so much fun because his personality is crazy.” Adding, “That was a really great moment.”

In episode 10 of season 4, when Leroy-Beaulieu’s character, Sylvie Grateau, the stylish PR executive, needs an office in Rome and she reunites with an old friend, interior designer Giorgio Barbieri.

News of Everett’s exit comes after Emily in Paris was renewed for an upcoming fifth season. 

Lily Collins, who plays the titular character, announced in September 2024 that Emily in Paris has been renewed for season 5 on Good Morning America. In an Instagram video, the actress can be seen sipping an espresso as she says, “There’s no place like Rome.”

“It’s official: EMILY IN PARIS is coming back for season 5!” the caption read on the joint post with Collins and Netflix.

Creator Darren Star opened up to Netflix’s Tudum about the news, saying, “We’re thrilled with the incredible response to this season of Emily in Paris and excited to return for a fifth to continue Emily’s adventures in Rome and Paris! Emily’s going to have a presence in Rome. It doesn’t mean she’s not going to be in Paris, but she’s going to have a presence in Rome.”

Starr explained that he wanted to take the cast to “unexpected places,” which is exactly how Emily ended up in Italy. 

In addition to Everett, fans will also be missing another familiar face when Emily in Paris returns.

In April, Camille Razat announced her decision to leave the hit Netflix series behind before season 5 began filming. 

“After an incredible journey, I’ve made the decision to step away from Emily in Paris,” Razat — who played Camille, a champagne heiress who quickly befriends Emily Cooper (Collins) after she moves to Paris and has an on-and-off relationship with Gabriel (Lucas Bravo)  — shared in part on Instagram.

“It has been a truly wonderful experience, one filled with growth, creativity, and unforgettable memories,” the French actress continued before thanking creator Star, Netflix and series studio Paramount for “giving me the opportunity to bring Camille to life and leaving the door open for her return, as she will always be a part of Emily In Paris world.” 

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The first four seasons of Emily in Paris are now streaming on Netflix.