Following multiple accusations of sexual harassment, Jeffrey Tambor has announced that he will be leaving Transparent.
In his starring role as the series' lead character, Tambor played the transgender matriarch of the Pfefferman family. During his tenure at Transparent, Tambor earned multiple Emmys and a Golden Globe for his performance.
"Playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life," he told Deadline. "What has become clear over the past weeks, however, is that this is no longer the job I signed up for four years ago."
In the past couple of weeks, Tambor has been accused of sexual harassment by both his former assistant Van Barnes and fellow Transparent actor Trace Lysette. Amazon has since launched an investigation into the claims.
"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," Tambor added. "Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don't see how I can return to Transparent."
Show creator Jill Soloway and most of the staff have remained silent about the recent accusations against Tambor, though writer and producer Our Lady J did take to Twitter last week to support Lysette. In addition to stating that "any abuse of power is inexcusable," she added: "We cannot let trans content be taken down by a single cis man."
Now, she seems to have directly responded to Tambor's comments about departing the show.
Transparent is currently in the midst of airing its fourth season. A fifth season has yet to be officially announced, but is expected to arrive next year.
In his starring role as the series' lead character, Tambor played the transgender matriarch of the Pfefferman family. During his tenure at Transparent, Tambor earned multiple Emmys and a Golden Globe for his performance.
"Playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life," he told Deadline. "What has become clear over the past weeks, however, is that this is no longer the job I signed up for four years ago."
In the past couple of weeks, Tambor has been accused of sexual harassment by both his former assistant Van Barnes and fellow Transparent actor Trace Lysette. Amazon has since launched an investigation into the claims.
"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," Tambor added. "Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don't see how I can return to Transparent."
Show creator Jill Soloway and most of the staff have remained silent about the recent accusations against Tambor, though writer and producer Our Lady J did take to Twitter last week to support Lysette. In addition to stating that "any abuse of power is inexcusable," she added: "We cannot let trans content be taken down by a single cis man."
Now, she seems to have directly responded to Tambor's comments about departing the show.
I am proud to be a part of a politicized atmosphere that does not tolerate harassment or assault in any form.
— Our Lady J (@ourladyj) November 20, 2017
Transparent is currently in the midst of airing its fourth season. A fifth season has yet to be officially announced, but is expected to arrive next year.