Jeffrey Tambor leaves Transparent after harassment allegations

Transparent star Jeffrey Tambor has quit amid allegations that he sexually harassed two trans women he worked with on the show.

Co-star Trace Lysette and former assistant Van Barnes have separately accused Tambor of sexual misconduct, Huffington Post has reported.

73-year-old Tambor has denied the allegations, saying he is “not a predator”, but said he will not be returning for the show’s fifth season.

“Playing Maura Pfefferman on Transparent has been one of the greatest privileges and creative experiences of my life,” the actor said in the statement.

“What has become clear over the past weeks, however, is that this is no longer the job I signed up for four years ago.

“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 politicised atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don’t see how I can return to Transparent.”

Show writer Our Lady J said she agreed with Trace Lysette’s suggestion that the series continue without Tambor.

“Any abuse of power is inexcusable, but hearing the stories of Van and Trace have particularly shattered me,” she said.

“I honour the strength and courage that it must have taken for them to tell their truth. We cannot let trans content be taken down by a single cis man.”

Amazon Studios is reportedly investigating the allegations against Tambor.