Jeffrey Tambor says he will not return to Transparent for the show’s expected fifth season, after two women accused the 73-year-old of sexual misconduct on set.
In a statement obtained by Deadline, Tambor said “playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life,” but “given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don’t see how I can return to Transparent.”
The surprise announcement comes after transgender actress and Tambor’s former assistant Van Barnes took to Facebook, alleging an unnamed boss frequently prepositioned her, groped her, and threatened to sue if she spoke out.
Barnes’ statement prompted Amazon Studios, which produces Transparent, to launch an investigation into the claims.
Afterwards, actress Tracy Lysette also alleged Tambor made sexually suggestive comments to her, and pushed his body against hers in a sexually suggestive manner.
Tambor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in both cases.
In his latest statement, he said “I’ve already made clear my deep regret if any action of mine was ever misinterpreted by anyone as being aggressive, but the idea that I would deliberately harass anyone is simply and utterly untrue.”
The Emmy Award winner had not yet signed on to appear in the show’s yet-to-be-announced fifth season, and Deadline speculates the writer’s room had already been angling towards writing off Maura Pfeffernan in an organic way before the allegations emerged.
Transparent season 4 premiered in September.
This article discusses sexual assault & harassment. If you would like to talk to a counsellor about rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, give the people over at 1800 RESPECT a call on 1800 737 732.
