Jeffrey Tambor has dropped out of Transparent.
The Emmy Award-winning actor, who has been accused of sexual harassment by two women who worked on the Amazon series, released a statement along with his resignation that was anything, but…well…
… resigned.
Quite the opposite, in fact, as Tambor did not admit to any wrongdoing, while lashing out at the toxic environment that he says has engulfed the critically-acclaimed program.
Transparent recently wrapped up its fourth season.
“Playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life,” Tambor said in his statement.
He added:
“What has become clear over the past weeks, however, is that this is no longer the job I signed up for four years ago.
“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.
“Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don’t see how I can return to Transparent.”
Among other allegations, Tambor has been accused by a transgender co-star of making lewd, sexually suggestive remarks.
This same co-star says the actor even pressed up against her in a sexual, suggestive manner.
A former assistant has also made troubling claims against the veteran star.
In a previous statement, Tambor said the following:
“I know I haven’t always been the easiest person to work with. I can be volatile and ill-tempered, and too often I express my opinions harshly and without tact.
“But I have never been a predator — ever.”
In the wake of these disturbing allegations, Amazon announced it was investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, numerous individuals and groups – including Transparent writer-producer Our Lady J and GLAAD – have called for the show to continue without Tambor.
Neither creator Jill Solloway nor Amazon has commented since Tambor announced he is leaving the show.
The veteran actor has won a pair of Emmys for his portrayal of Maura, while he also brought two other iconic television characters to life:
1. Hank Kingsley on The Larry Sanders Show.
2. George Bluth on Arrested Development.
Transparent now becomes the second award-winning series to face an uncertain future in the wake of its lead star being accused of sexual harassment or misconduct.
After Kevin Spacey faced on specific claim of attempted sexual assault, along with multiple allegations of creating uncomfortable working conditions on House of Cards, Netflix let the actor go.
It’s unclear just how or when the show will continue.
And the same can be said of Transparent.
