NCIS star Pauley Perrette 'physical assaults' claim – was a dog to blame?
More than 15 million US viewers tuned in to watch Pauley Perette's final episode of NCIS last week, as the actress quit the hit crime series after 15 years. But the reason for Perette's departure has become the subject of heated speculation, after Perette posted a series of cryptic messages on Twitter.
"Maybe I'm wrong for not 'spilling the beans'", she wrote. "Telling the story, THE TRUTH. I feel I have to protect my crew, jobs and so many people. But at what cost?"
In a later tweet, she added: "It's horrifying. I left. Multiple Physical Assaults. I REALLY get it now. Stay safe. Nothing is worth your safety. Tell someone."
Now media news site The Wrap has suggested that the "Multiple Physical Assaults" may have been dog-bites.
In 2016, TMZ reported that a dog belonging to Perette's co-star Mark Harmon had bitten a crew member. The report claimed that 15 stitches were needed to treat the wound. Harmon's lawyer Barry Axelrod has confirmed that he advised the actor on whether or not the dog should return to the set.
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According to The Wrap, that 2016 incident led to friction between Harmon and Perette – and even an agreement that the two actors would never have to appear in the same scene. In early seasons of the show, Harmon's grumpy special agent Gibbs would often share the screen with Perette's character, forensic scientist and tattooed goth Abby Sciuto.
CBS issued a statement on Tuesday in response to Perette's tweets. "Over a year ago, Pauley came to us with a workplace concern," CBS said. "We took the matter seriously and worked with her to find a resolution. We are committed to a safe work environment on all our shows."
Perette appears to have been satisfied by CBS's handling of the situation. "I want to thank my studio and network CBS," she wrote on Sunday. "They have always been so good to me and always had my back."
The Telegraph has contacted representatives for Perette and Harmon.