Actor Jeffrey Tambor is speaking out against both Transparent creator Jill Soloway and Amazon Studios following his termination from the hit Amazon comedy-drama after #MeToo harassment allegations were spoken against him by two transgender co-workers.
“I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon’s handling of these false accusations against me. 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.” – Jeffery Tambor
Tambor’s first accuser Van Barnes, is a trans woman who worked as the actors personal assistant, and whose allegations led to the internal investigation by Amazon Studios had previously appeared on E!’s I Am Cait.
According to Barnes’ lawyer Alana Chazan, her client signed a nondisclosure agreement while working for Tambor and therefore could not comment in detail on the “workplace abuses” she allegedly suffered fromTambor.
Whie Jill Soloway has not directly responded to the Tambor allegations, she did commend Tambor’s alleged victims, transgender actress Trace Lysette and Van Barnes, for speaking out and being leaders.
“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.” said Soloway. “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,”
I still am skeptical to many of these claims. I have been reading some of these claims and the actions involved that triggered the accusations. Since sexual harassment is all based on perception. What the “victim” considers harassment 99 of 100 people might consider innocuous at best.It has been and continues to be my firm conviction that this is a witch hunt that has risen to toxic levels. There has in many cases been only a casual investigation to the claims before Networks and Organizations jettison the alleged perpetrator. I am sure that the rush to headlines the 5th estate uses to damage character,career and family of the alleged perpetrator. Will of course get the same coverage when they are cleared after their damage has been done. Of course not!