The 'Transparent' and Emmy-winning actor is accused of 'implied inappropriate behavior' by his former assistant Van Barnes.
- November 9, 2017
AceShowbiz -
Another actor is facing sexual harassment allegations. Jeffrey Tambor's former assistant Van Barnes accused the Golden Globe and Emmy-winning actor of behaving in a sexually inappropriate manner toward her. Barnes, a 42-year-old transgender actress, reportedly made the claims in a private Facebook post earlier this week.
Responding to the allegations, the 73-year-old actor tells Deadline in a statement, "I am aware that a former disgruntled assistant of mine has made a private post implying that I had acted in an improper manner toward her." He adds, "I adamantly and vehemently reject and deny any and all implication and allegation that I have ever engaged in any improper behavior toward this person or any other person I have ever worked with. I am appalled and distressed by this baseless allegation."
Amazon has launched an investigation into the claims. The investigating team is currently speaking to members of the "Transparent" production and Tambor personally.
Jill Soloway, the creator of "Transparent" through which Tambor won two Emmy Awards, says in a statement regarding the investigation, "Anything that would diminish the level of respect, safety, and inclusion so fundamental to our workplace is completely antithetical to our principles. We are cooperating with the investigation into this matter."
Barnes' lawyer, Alana Chazan, refuses to comment further on the allegations. She states, "Chazan Family Law P.C. is representing Van Barnes in an ongoing investigation at Amazon. My client currently has no comment, however, Ms. Barnes stands by the statement she made on her private social media account as part of the #metoo movement."
The show comedy-drama series is currently not in production.
Previously, Roy Price resigned as the head of Amazon Studios after "The Man in the High Castle" executive producer Isa Dick Hackett claimed that Price had propositioned her during San Diego Comic-Con 2015. Amazon also cut ties with Harvey Weinstein following numerous sexual misconduct allegations made against the former movie exec.
