In the hours following his inconspicuous departure from the Emmy-winning show Transparent, actor Jeffrey Tambor has now turned his frustration at showrunner Jill Soloway and Amazon for the way they handled the accusations of sexual misconduct against him in 2017.

“I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon’s handling of these false accusations against me,” the 73-year-old star replied in a comment acquired by Deadline on Thursday (February 15). “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.”

Tambor continued his rejoinder, further indicating that the claims of sexual harassment he was charged with were never communicated to him in an honest or direct manner:

“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. 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.”

Tambor's immediate exit arrives just months after the performer was twice-accused of on-set sexual harassment in November 2017: first by his personal assistant Van Barnes, and then again by actress Trace Lysette, a who featured as a guest star on Transparent.

Transparent Jeffrey Tambor Fired Response
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In acknowledgment, the Arrested Development player addressed the claims of sexual misconduct and the fate of his involvement on the show in the following statement:

"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."

As of today, Soloway, too, has released an address concerning Tambor's controversial leave:

“I have great respect and admiration for Van Barnes and Trace Lysette, whose courage in speaking out about their experience on Transparent is an example of the leadership this moment in our culture requires. We are grateful to the many trans people who have supported our vision for Transparent since its inception and remain heartbroken about the pain and mistrust their experience has generated in our community. 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.”

While the fate of the comedian's role on Season 5 of the Golden Globe-winning series remains unknown, The Hollywood Reporter has inferred the writers of the show are considering writing out Tambor's Maura Pfefferman by killing his character.

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