Jeffrey Tambor quits 'Transparent' after sex assault claim

effrey Tambor is exiting the show Transparent' - which he stars in as the lead - after sexual harassment allegations were made against him.

Tambor, 73, released a statement to Deadline on Sunday, in which he said playing the transgender character, Maura Pfefferman, had been an honor but that he could no longer continue the role.

In the ambiguous statement, Tambor referenced what he calls a 'politicized atmosphere' that has afflicted the set. He also says that the idea that he would deliberately harass anyone is untrue.

'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. 

'Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don't see how I can return to Transparent.'

Tambor has won two Emmys for portraying Maura Pfefferman in the highly regarded show, which is now in its fourth season. Many interpreted his words to mean that he was leaving the show, which has not been confirmed.  

In a private Facebook post last week, Tambor's former assistant, a transgender woman named Van Barnes, accused the actor of inappropriate behavior, including telling her: 'You will love my d**k'. 

In a statement, the Emmy-winning actor 'adamantly and vehemently' denied any wrongdoing, and called Barnes 'disgruntled'.

In response, Amazon launched an investigation, speaking to both members of the 'Transparent' production and Tambor personally, per the studio's policy.

Then, on Thursday, Trace Lysette, a transgender actress who plays Shea on 'Transparent', told The Hollywood Reporter that Tambor 'has made many sexual advances and comments at me, but one time it got physical.'

She claimed that the actor cornered her and thrust himself 'back and forth against my body' before she pushed him off.

Lysette claims that when she emerged from from wardrobe in a costume of a lingerie top and shorts for a scene with Tambor, he said: 'My God, Trace. I want to attack you sexually.'

She urged Amazon to 'remove the problem and let the show go on.'

Tambor is the latest high profile Hollywood figure to be accused of misconduct in a wave that began when dozens of sexual harassment allegations were reported last month against film mogul Harvey Weinstein, who is being investigated for rape by police departments in London, New York and Los Angeles.  

Source: AFP