Insecure, Issa Rae’s compelling slice-of-life narrative about thirty-something African-American women in Los Angeles, returns to HBO on August 12. However, fans and members of the Lawrence Hive should be advised (as we reported) that Jay Ellis won’t be returning for the show’s third season, and Rae has addressed Ellis’ absence.

In an interview with Vulture at Insecure Fest in L.A., the newly-minted Emmy-nominated actress explained that Lawrence’s absence, although not planned, is a necessity.

“We want to stay as true to life as possible. You never see the exes again, and it’s okay. You gotta explore life without Lawrence,” Rae said. As for the fans’ less than enthusiastic response to Ellis’ absence, Rae also gave a clear and simple response.

“No, I don’t care,” she said.

Insecure showrunner Prentice Penny echoed these sentiments, arguing that an inclusion of a storyline revolving around Lawrence would have been forced and that his absence opens up the possibility for new suitors in Issa’s life. “It was also like, well where is Issa in her life right now? What would challenge that? And you’ll see lots of people who are her love interest kind of come in and out,” Penny said. “And there won’t just be one new guy, but a few. Or guys?… Guys! Maybe. I think people will be rooting for her, like they kind of always do, to make the right choice.”

The Season 3 trailer shows Issa adjusting to living with Daniel (while not in a relationship) while also trying to find a place of her own.

Created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore, Insecure follows the friendship of two black women as they deal with their real-life flaws while attempting to navigate different worlds and cope with an endless series of uncomfortable everyday experiences.

Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Lisa Joyce, Natasha Rothwell, Y’Lan Noel and Amanda Seales star in the show.