Jeffrey Tambor cites 'toxic' environment after being cut from Transparent amidst harassment claims
Jeffrey Tambor has criticised Amazon’s investigation into sexual harassment allegations against him as “deeply flawed” after it was announced he had been cut from Transparent.
He said he was “profoundly disappointed” in the streaming service’s handling of the “false accusations” against him and he hit out at the show’s creator Jill Soloway.
Tambor’s statement came on Friday after Amazon confirmed he would not return to the show which earned him two Emmys and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of a transgender woman.
At least three women accused him of sexual misconduct, including co-star Trace Lysette and a former assistant, both of whom Soloway said she had “great respect and admiration” for.
Tambor, 73, responded with a statement, saying: “I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon’s handling of these false accusations against me.
“I am even more disappointed in Jill Soloway’s unfair characterisation 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 politicised atmosphere that afflicted our set.”
He added that he “deeply” regretted if any of his actions were ever “misinterpreted” and that he would “vehemently” defend himself.
In addition to praising the two transgender women who accused Tambor, Soloway said they had shown “courage” in speaking out.
“We are taking definitive action to ensure our workplace respects the safety and dignity of every individual, and are taking steps to heal as a family,” she added.
Amazon launched the investigation in November after the former assistant made the first allegation.
Actress Lysette, who plays yoga instructor Shea in Transparent, then said Tambor made sexual remarks during filming and at one point thrust himself against her.
This was followed by a make-up artist, who asked not to be named, accusing Tambor of forcibly kissing her on the set of 2001 movie Never Again. Tambor said he did not remember the alleged incident but apologised for any discomfort caused “inadvertently”.
Transparent has earned eight Emmys and two Golden Globes for portraying a family that discovers Tambor’s character is transgender.
The actor became one of many to be embroiled in allegations in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, which forced a reckoning on Hollywood and its treatment of women.