The Kiss Scene Was Filmed
Mariska Hargitay confirmed that she and Christopher Meloni filmed a kissing scene during the production of Law & Order: SVU's 24th season. The scene featured their characters, Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler, kissing. According to Hargitay, the scene was shot in multiple versions, with different approaches to how the moment would be portrayed.
Dick Wolf Cut the Scene
Creator Dick Wolf made the decision to remove the kissing scene and replace it with a near-kiss version that ultimately aired. Hargitay explained that Wolf had the actors film another version of the scene where their characters only nearly kiss instead of fully kissing. This decision was made by Wolf and the editors, overriding the actors' preference.
Actors Disagreed with the Decision
Both Hargitay and Meloni disagreed with Wolf's choice to cut the kiss. Hargitay stated they felt the moment was earned and that the kissing version was very beautiful, very human, and showed the complexity of their characters' relationship and their multiple forms of connection. She acknowledged that despite their disagreement, Wolf had the authority to make the final call.
Stabler and Benson's Story Continues
Hargitay indicated that the relationship between Benson and Stabler is not finished. When asked about the possibility of Meloni returning to SVU, she responded that anything is possible and that their story is not done, suggesting the characters' dynamic may still develop in future episodes. 
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