Jeffrey Tambor Exits 'Transparent' Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
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‘Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don’t see how I can return to 'Transparent',' the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor says in a statement.

AceShowbiz - Jeffrey Tambor won't be returning to "Transparent" season 5. The actor, who plays transgender Maura Pfefferman, announces his exit from the Amazon series after he was accused of sexually harassing two members of the series.

"Playing Maura Pfefferman on 'Transparent' has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life," Tambor said in a statement to Deadline on Sunday, November 19. "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," the Emmy-winning actor added. "Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don't see how I can return to 'Transparent'."

His departure arrives in the wake of sexual harassment allegations made by Tambor's former assistant Van Barner against the actor. Taking to Facebook earlier this month, Barner, a 42-year-old transgender actress, accused the Golden Globe-winning actor of behaving in a sexually inappropriate manner toward her.

In response to the accusation, Tambor released a statement which read, "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. 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."

And just recently, "Transparent" actress Trace Lysette also alleged that the actor wanted to "attack [her] sexually." She claimed Tambor had stood on her feet to prevent her from moving as he rubbed up against her and began to make "quick, discreet thrusts back and forth against my body." She said, "It's s**ty to admit out loud--and I don't say it to justify what I went through--but given the journey and circumstances of my life, I was used to being treated as a sexual object by men--this one just happened to be famous."

Tambor strongly denied the allegations, saying that even though he hadn't "always been the easiest person to work with," adding that he "can be volatile," "ill-tempered," he assured that he had "never been a predator--ever." He went on saying in a statement, "I am deeply sorry if any action of mine was ever misinterpreted by anyone as being sexually aggressive or if I ever offended or hurt anyone. But the fact is, for all my flaws, I am not a predator and the idea that someone might see me in that way is more distressing than I can express."

Amazon is currently investigating the allegations. "Transparent" creator Jill Soloway, however, refused to comment on the ongoing investigation during a panel at Vulture Festival L.A. on Saturday.

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