The Hollywood sexual harassment and misconduct floodgates continue to remain open as yet another actor falls in the wake of allegations made against them. Jeffrey Tambor has decided to leave his hit Amazon series, Transparent, amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Here is the statement made by Tambor about his departure:
“Playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life, 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.”
There are a few things about this story that are surprising. Apparently, this immediate decision wasn’t made by Amazon or the show’s creator. Yes, it seems like moves were being made to usher him out and move the show in another direction, but apparently he made this decision without having them in on it. The writing on the wall was a bit clear when the first allegation was made on November 14.
The first instance involved his former assistant and transgender actress Van Barne. When her allegations came to light it’s reported that the higher-ups were already mapping out making changes to the show that didn’t involve Tambor. Then a second allegation was made by another transgender actress who happened to be a semi-regular on the show named Trace Lysette. Allegedly Tambor got physical with her and made lewd and unwelcomed advances towards her. Lysette actually made a quote that seems to be where Amazon was likely headed that said: “remove the problem and let the show go on.” Tambor has made this much easier for them.
In a show of support to both accusers, a writer on the show by the name of Our Lady J became the first and only person currently working on the series to back both ladies. Lady J thanked Lysette for her “leadership,” the transgender scribe added, “we cannot let trans content be taken down by a single man.”
Apparently the actor’s option for season five hadn’t been picked up yet even before these allegations and since Tambor has voluntarily left, maybe it will be easier for the show to move on in another direction that will allow the critically acclaimed series to live on.
