Actor's fury as he's dropped after sexual assault claims

Jeffrey Tambor has been officially dropped from Amazon comedy Transparent after he was accused of sexual harassment.

The internet giant has decided not to renew his contract for a fifth season following an investigation into the allegations.

Tambor, who previously starred on The Larry Sanders Show and Arrested Development, won two Emmys and a Golden Globe for his role as transgender Maura Pfefferman.

But his former assistant Van Barnes and co-star Trace Lysette, both transgender actors, had accused him of sexual misconduct on set.

Tambor had previously appeared rule himself out of a return anyway, saying at the time the accusations were raised: ‘Given the politicised atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don’t see how I can return to Transparent.’

However, last night he reacted furiously to his dismissal, slating Amazon and series creator Jill Soloway.

'I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon’s handling of these false accusations against me,' he said. 'I am even more disappointed in Jill Soloway’s unfair characterization of me as someone who would ever cause harm to any of my fellow cast mates.'

'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 politicized 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.'

Lysette, who plays yoga instructor Shea on the series, claimed that the star cornered her on set. She alleged: ’He came in close, put his bare feet on top of mine so I could not move, leaned his body against me, and began quick, discreet thrust back and forth against my body. I felt his penis on my hip through his thin pyjamas.’

At the time Tambor, 73, was dressed as his transgender character Maura, in a green satin kimono, while Shea was in her on-screen garb of lingerie top and micro-shorts. When he first saw her, Tambor reportedly said in front of other cast members: ‘My God, Trace. I want to attack you sexually.’

Solloway 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.’

Published: 15 Feb 2018