Jeffrey Tambor Resigns from ‘Transparent’ Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

After facing two separate allegations of sexual harassment from two trans members of the Transparent cast and crew, actor Jeffrey Tambor has announced that he will leave the show, Deadline reports. The actor won two Emmys for his portrayal of transgender woman Maura Pfefferman.

“Playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life,” Tambor told Deadline. “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 said.
He continued, “Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don’t see how I can return to Transparent.”

Earlier in November, Tambor’s assistant Van Barnes accused the actor of harassment in a private Facebook post. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the star made sexual advances on Barnes, claiming that he could help her career.

On Friday, actress Trace Lysette came forward with allegations against Tambor, as well. Lysette claimed that Tambor cornered her, put his feet on hers so she could not move and began to thrust his body against hers. Lysette also detailed a pattern of inappropriate behavior from Tambor, including kissing her on the lips without consent.

Photography: Desiree Navarro/Getty Images