Jeffrey Tambor 'profoundly disappointed' in Amazon for 'Transparent' dismissal
— -- "Transparent" star Jeffrey Tambor said in a statement obtained by ABC News Thursday that he is "profoundly disappointed" that Amazon made the decision to fire him from the series.
A spokesman for the streaming service confirmed Thursday that the actor would not take part in the show's fifth season in light of sexual harassment allegations made against him late last year.
The Amazon spokesman had no additional comment.
“I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon’s handling of these false accusations against me. I am even more disappointed in [series creator] Jill Soloway’s unfair characterization of me as someone who would ever cause harm to any of my fellow cast mates. 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," Tambor said in a statement.
He continued, "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. 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.”
Late last year, Tambor, 73, was accused by two transgender women — actress Trace Lysette and his former personal assistant Van Barnes — of sexually harassing them on the show's set, prompting Amazon to launch an investigation. The actor, who won two Emmys for his work on the show, denied the allegations, but apologized for potentially hurting or offending anyone.
"Playing Maura Pfefferman on 'Transparent' has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life," he said in a statement in November. "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 continued. "Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don't see how I can return to 'Transparent.'"
