Despite axe from Transparent, Jeffrey Tambor will return to Arrested Development
(Christopher Polk/Getty Images for TNT)
Former Transparent star Jeffrey Tambor will not be ejected from the upcoming season of Netflix show Arrested Development, despite sexual harassment claims.
Tambor starred in Amazon’s transgender-themed comedy Transparent as ageing trans woman Maura Pfefferman.
However he was sacked from the show in the wake of sexual harassment allegations, which included claims he made advances towards transgender co-star Trace Lysette.
Amazon confirmed earlier this year that Tambor had been axed from the show, leaving its future in doubt without its lead.
But he has been allowed to return to a separate TV project.
Netflix confirmed to CNN this week that Tambor would be part of the upcoming fifth season of Arrested Development.
Entertainment Weekly reports that the show “wrapped production on its new batch of episodes in November, right around when the accusations surfaced”.
Netflix has junked several projects to other embattled stars like Kevin Spacey, and ordered a complete re-write of House of Cards, so the decision to stick by Tambor has raised eyebrows among fans.
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Some members of the Arrested Development cast have previously made public their support of Tambor despite the allegations.
David Cross said: “I can’t speak for everybody, but I know there are a number of us who stand behind him — from the limited amount we know, we stand behind Jeffrey — and I am one of them.”
Jason Bateman added: “I love Jeffrey. I always will. I can’t go further than that, but I will always love that man.”
Tambor was officially axed from Amazon’s Transparent in February after an internal investigation of his conduct.
(Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Creator Jill Solway said: “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.”
(Christopher Polk/Getty Images for The Critics’ Choice Awards )
Tambor hit back: “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.”
