Jeffrey Tambor Breaks Silence On Transparent Firing Following Sexual Harassment Allegations
The actor is speaking out.
On Thursday evening, Feb. 15, 2018, Jeffrey Tambor released a statement to Entertainment Weekly regarding his recent firing from Transparent after being accused of sexual harassment in the fall of 2017.
"I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon's handling of these false accusations against me," the 73-year-old actor stated. "I am even more disappointed in Jill Soloway's unfair characterization of me as someone who would ever cause harm to any of my fellow cast mates."
He continued, "In our four-year history of working together on this incredible show, these accusations have NEVER been revealed or discussed directly with me or anyone at Amazon. Therefore, I can only surmise that the investigation against me was deeply flawed and biased toward the toxic politicized atmosphere that afflicted our set."
"As I have consistently stated, I deeply regret if any action of mine was ever misinterpreted by anyone and I will continue to vehemently defend myself," Tambor concluded. "I also deeply regret that this ground-breaking show, which changed so many lives, is now in jeopardy. That, to me, is the biggest heartbreak."
As Nicki Swift previously reported, Tambor was let go from the hit Amazon series earlier in the day on Thursday. The decision followed the studio's internal investigation into sexual harassment claims made by the actor's former assistant, Van Barnes, and Transparent actress Trace Lysette in November 2017.
As series creator Jill Soloway said in a statement, "I have great respect and admiration for Van Barnes and Trace Lysette, whose courage in speaking out about their experience on Transparent is an example of the leadership this moment in our culture requires."
She continued, "We are grateful to the many trans people who have supported our vision for Transparent since its inception and remain heartbroken about the pain and mistrust their experience has generated in our community. We are taking definitive action to ensure our workplace respects the safety and dignity of every individual, and are taking steps to heal as a family."
Tambor had previously denied the allegations, maintaining that while "he wasn't the easiest person to work with," he has "never been a predator — ever" (via E! News). However, in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, he went on to hint at his inevitable exit from the show, stating, "Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don't see how I can return to Transparent."