‘I don’t see how I can return’: Jeffrey Tambor quits Transparent over sexual misconduct allegations

Jeffrey Tambor has announced his departure from Transparent in the wake of the sexual misconduct allegations levelled against him, saying the “politicized atmosphere” has made it impossible for him to continue.

Tambor, who played Maura Pfefferman on the Amazon original series, was accused of acting in an “improper manner” towards his former personal assistant and actress Trace Lysette.

In a statement he said: “Playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life. 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.”

He finished: “Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don’t see how I can return to Transparent.”

Tambor previously said he had been left “appalled and distressed” by his former assistant’s allegations which he “adamantly and vehemently” rejected.

Following Lysette’s claim he slammed reports that he acted like a “predator” and said he was “deeply sorry if any action of mine was ever misinterpreted by anyone as being sexually aggressive or if I ever offended or hurt anyone”.

Tambor, who has won two Emmys for his work on Transparent, is being investigated by Amazon Studios.

In a statement, Jill Soloway, who created the comedy, said: “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.”