Jeffrey Tambor Has Quit ‘Transparent’ After Being Accused Of Sexual Harassment

This article discusses sexual assault.

Jeffrey Tambor has decided not to reprise his lead role in the Amazon series Transparent, after being accused of sexual harassment by two transgender staff members on the show.

Tambor has been accused of sexual harassment by both his former assistant Van Barnes as well as his co-star Trace Lysette. Both women have accused the Golden-Globe winner of making lewd comments as well as inappropriate touching, with Lysette describing “multiple uncomfortable experiences with Jeffrey,” and alleging that the actor pressed his penis against her through pyjamas while shooting a scene on the show’s second season.

Barnes also claims Tambor threatened to sue her if she spoke up about his alleged behaviour.

My full statement #MeToo pic.twitter.com/V4CHpvEMpZ

— Trace Lysette (@tracelysette) November 17, 2017

Tambor has denied the allegations of both women, and on Sunday announced his decision to exit the show, citing “the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set”.

“Playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life,” said Tambor in a statement to 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.”

“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,” he added. “Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don’t see how I can return to Transparent.”

Amazon was reportedly already looking for ways to write Tambor out of the show’s fifth season in the wake of the allegations before the actor announced his decision to step down.

Meanwhile, series writer and producer, Our Lady J, has backed Lysette’s assertion that Amazon should “remove the problem and let the show go on”.

“Any abuse of power is inexcusable, but hearing the stories of Van and Trace have particularly shattered me,” the transgender writer wrote on Instagram. “We cannot let trans content be taken down by a single cis man.”

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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

The National University Support Line also offers 24/7 free trauma counselling, at 1800 572 224. 

Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.