Transparent star Jeffrey Tambor slams Amazon after being fired amid on-set harassment claims: 'This groundbreaking show is now in jeopardy'
'I am profoundly disappointed in the handling of these false accusations against me'
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Your support makes all the difference.Jeffrey Tambor has criticised both Amazon and Transparent creator Jill Soloway after being fired from the series amid sexual harassment claims made against him.
Yesterday (15 February), the streaming service decided to let Emmy Award-winning actor Tambor go following an internal investigation into the allegations of on-set sexual harassment which were first levied against him three months ago.
“I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon’s handling of these false accusations against me,” the actor said, adding: “I am even more disappointed in Jill Soloway’s unfair characterisation of me as someone who would ever cause harm to any of my fellow cast mates”
He continued: “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 politicised 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.”
Amid the claims, made by transgender stars Van Barnes and Trace Lysette, Tambor - who played Maura Pfefferman on the Golden Globe Award-winning series - expressed concern about returning to set amid the claims he described as "utterly untrue."
Following Tambor's departure, Soloway threw her support towards Tambor's accusers.
“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," she said. "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.”
Transparent is due to return for a fifth series with Tambor's former cast members Gaby Hoffman, Jay Duplass, Judith Light and Amy Landecker all set to return.
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