Jeffrey Tambor has left the popular Amazon Studios series Transparent after two artists (Van Barnes and Trace Lysette) in the show alleged that the actor passed lewd remarks and harassed them physically. Amazon is currently investigating the allegations.
Jeffrey Tambor on why he is leaving Transparent
Tambor, however, says that such allegations do not have any grounds. The actor further stated that the environment had been so politically charged on the sets that it was becoming challenging for him to work.
“What has become clear over the past weeks, however, is that this is no longer the job I signed up for four years ago…given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don’t see how I can return to Transparent,” Tambor told Deadline on Sunday.
Tambor, who played Maura Pfefferman in Amazon Studios’ Transparent, stated that the character made a huge difference and positive impact on a community that has been neglected for too long. “Now I find myself accused of behavior that any civilized person would condemn unreservedly,” the actor said in a statement to Variety.
Amazon Studios – what will it do now?
About the incident, GLAAD stated that, the show Transparent is bigger than one person, and is a home to some of the most talented trans people in Hollywood — both in front of the camera and behind.” Further, the U.S. Non-governmental media monitoring organization stated that they stand with actor Trace Lysette, believing the situations that she and other actors faced on the sets would be remedied, and the upcoming season would be more about the characters and actors who people love.
Lysette also supported the claims of Barnes, who also worked as the personal assistant of Tambor.
Lysette told Hollywood Reporter that Barnes would come home wrecked and stressed but hardly discussed anything saying, ” ‘Girl, he is a piece of work. If you only knew what I’m going through.’ But I knew.”
The Transparent team is already looking for ways to continue the show sans Tambor. The writer’s room, led by Jill Gordon is still planning for Season 5, which would stream next year. One source told Variety that internally there is “momentum” to continue without Jeffrey Tambor.
Others facing similar claims
This is not the first such case in recent times for Amazon Studios. Only a month ago, Amazon Studios’ head Roy Price, stepped down after Isa Hackett, a producer on The Man in the High Castle alleged him of sexual harassment.
Separately, just a few weeks back, Kevin Spacey was also accused by 20 men of inappropriate conduct, following which Netflix suspended the popular actor. Other than Tambor and Spacey, Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is also facing allegations of sexual misconduct after multiple women complained about the same.
Brett Ratner, the owner of RatPac-Dune Entertainment, is also accused of sexual assault. Gal Gadot who played Wonder Woman took a tough stance against Ratner and decided not to do the sequel unless Ratner is removed from all capacities from the franchisee.
On Friday, Amazon shares closed down 0.65% at $1,129.88. Year to date, the stock is up almost 51%, while in the last one-month, it is up almost 15%.
