Jeffrey Tambor has responded to Amazon’s announcement on Thursday that he would not return for the fifth season of “Transparent,” criticizing the streamer’s decision and once again denying the allegations of sexual misconduct made against him.
“I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon’s handling of these false accusations against me,” the actor said in a statement. “I am even more disappointed in 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. Therefore, I can only surmise that the investigation against me was deeply flawed and biased toward the toxic politicized atmosphere that afflicted our set.”
Amazon announced earlier Thursday that Tambor would not return for Season 5 of the Emmy-winning dramedy following an investigation into allegations that he sexually harassed three women. Tambor has previously denied the accusations and vowed on Thursday to “vehemently defend” himself.
“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,” he said. “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.”
In a statement announcing Tambor’s departure from the show, series creator Soloway backed the actor’s accusers — including his ex-assistant and transgender actress Van Barnes, “Transparent” actress Trace Lysette, and makeup artist Tamara Delbridge — hailing their “courage in speaking out” as “an example of the leadership this moment in our culture requires.”
Though the actor’s departure was made official on Thursday, the actor said in November that he did not foresee himself returning to the series, saying it was “no longer the job I signed up for four years ago” due to the “politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set.”
Tambor has starred as Maura Pfefferman on the Amazon series since 2014, took home two Emmys for the role in 2015 and 2016, and was nominated again for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2017.