Reneé Rapp has announced her departure from The Sex Lives of College Girls.
According to Variety, the actor and singer-songwriter will reprise her breakout role as Leighton Murray “in a few episodes” of the forthcoming third season, but will then exit the show entirely.
After news of Rapp’s departure broke, the star wrote on Instagram: “College girls moved me out to LA and introduced me to some of my favourite people. Two and a half years later – it’s given me y’all and this community.
“Thank u Mindy [Kaling], Justin [Noble] and everyone at Max for believing in me. A lot of queer work gets belittled – but playing Leighton has changed my life. I love who I am 10x more than I did before knowing her.
“I hope she gave y’all a little bit of that too. She’s such a tiny part of representation but even the tiny parts count. I wouldn’t be half the person I am without her and y’all. I love that b**** more than you know.
“I’m so excited for this season and I can’t wait for you to see what we have coming for her and the girls.”
Rapp received widespread critical acclaim for her witty portrayal of Leighton, a wealthy student from New York City coming to terms with her queer identity.
In the sophomore season, the character came out as a lesbian, quit her sorority and reconciled with her ex-girlfriend Alicia (Midori Francis).
Mindy Kaling, co-creator, supported Rapp with the following message: “We love @reneerapp so much and of course will be so sad to say goodbye to Leighton Murray! But we can’t wait to see our friend on tour!!”
In an interview with GAY TIMES earlier this year, Rapp said she considers herself a musician above anything else.
“I don’t feel as confident when I act or when I’m doing Broadway. It scares the shit out of me. I don’t want to be seen as an actor — I want to be seen as a musician,” she explained.
“Music is what I love and gravitate toward most. Once I knew what I wanted to do, I never thought I would act in this capacity.”
Rapp released her debut EP last year, Everything to Everyone, which features the acclaimed pop anthem Too Well in addition to In The Kitchen, Colorado and Don’t Tell My Mom.
Her debut studio album, Snow Angel, is due for release 18 August. It was preceded by the lead single of the same name.
Rapp is also set to star as Regina George in Mean Girls: The Musical.