‘Transparent’ Star Jeffrey Tambor Officially Fired Over Sexual Harassment
Amazon’s Transparent is officially down a title character, but not down for the count. Weeks after confirming Season 5 would move forward, Amazon has now concluded its investigation into harassment claims against star Jeffrey Tambor, and subsequently parted ways with the actor.
The streaming service confirmed as much Thursday, following repeated claims of harassment from Tambor’s transgender former assistant, his co-star Trace Lysette, and a subsequent investigation. Tambor previously claimed a “politicized atmosphere” might prevent him from returning for the series’ fifth season, but the Emmy-winning actor’s representation then walked back the statements to clarify no decision had been made. Tambor will have no role in the series going forward, while showrunner Jill Soloway offered their support for the actor’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. 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.
It remains unclear how Tambor’s Maura Pfefferman will be written out of the show (co-star Judith Light and the major cast are expected to remain), though it’s possible the fifth season might pivot to a broader transgender perspective. Lysette certainly suggested as much in her original statements about Tambor, noting that the actor’s misdeeds shouldn’t cost audiences or crew the transgender representation Transparent provides.
Transparent Season 5 was expected to enter production and premiere later this year, though it remains uncertain if this is still the case. Stay tuned for the latest.
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