Jeffrey Tambor exits Transparent, citing 'politicized atmosphere' on set
Jeffrey Tambor appears to be parting ways with Transparent. In a statement issued Sunday, the actor said he doesn’t see how he can return to the acclaimed Amazon series in the wake of allegations that he sexually harassed two women who worked on the show.
“Playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life,” Tambor said in the statement. “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.”
Amazon did not have immediate comment on Tambor’s statement.
Tambor, who has won two Emmy awards on the series for his lead role as a transgender woman who comes out late in life, has been accused of harassment by Transparent guest star Trace Lysette as well as a former assistant. In a previous statement, Tambor said, “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 the allegations, Amazon announced it was investigating the matter. Multiple individuals and groups, including Transparent writer-producer Our Lady J and GLAAD, have called for the show to continue without Tambor.
During a panel at Vulture Festival L.A. on Saturday, Transparent creator Jill Soloway declined to comment on the investigation, citing a need to protect its integrity.
Deadline first reported Tambor’s apparent exit.
