Jeffrey Tambor Responds to His Firing From Transparent, Critiques the Show's 'Toxic Politicized Atmosphere'

Jeffrey Tambor has released a statement following his firing from the cast of Amazon’s award-winning Jill Soloway series Transparent this week. It’s a contemptuous and blame-shifting denial of Van Barnes and Trace Lysette’s claims that he behaved inappropriately with them on set, as well as a condemnation of the show’s “toxic politicized atmosphere.”

It reads:

“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.”

It’s odd that Tambor calls out Soloway for what he describes as an “unfair characterization” of him, considering that they straight up have not mentioned him by name in recent statements. Instead, they discussed the situation in broader terms, writing in part, “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.”

Also, this statement marks the second time Tambor has expressed his displeasure with Transparent’s “politicized” set, which is surprising, given that the show is one of the most openly political on television. (Jeff Bezos himself suggested the show was capable of causing a political revolution.)

Unsurprising, however, is Tambor’s use of the increasingly familiar excuse that his alleged actions (which he refuses to repeat, by the way) were “misinterpreted.” He’s not sorry, you see, but he does “regret” that Barnes and Lysette took his behavior—whatever it was, he probably doesn’t even remember—the wrong way.