Amazon confirms Tambor’s Transparent exit

Amazon Studios has finalised its investigation into Transparent’s Jeffrey Tambor after sexual harassment complaints, dropping the actor from the show.

While Tambor previously stated that he would exit the show after accusations were made against him, no official move has been made until Amazon’s statement yesterday.

Tambor will now have no role in the forthcoming season of season five of Jill Soloway’s drama that focuses on trans communities.

Soloway said in a statement: “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.”

Despite having previously claimed that he would leave the show, Tambor made a statement in response to the decision, saying: “I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon’s handling of these false accusations against me.

“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.

“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.”

Transparent was one of Amazon’s first originals for the platform, earning it critical acclaim. More recently, the platform has been looking to create big budget titles such as a Lord of the Rings TV remake.