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Jeffrey Tambor accused of sexual harassment by Transparent actress

The actor has denied the accusations 

Jack Shepherd
Friday 17 November 2017 11:15 GMT
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Trace Lysette / Jeffrey Tambor
Trace Lysette / Jeffrey Tambor (Getty)

A week after Amazon opened an investigation into sexual harassment claims against Jeffrey Tambor, the actor has been accused of similar behaviour once more.

The new allegations come from fellow Transparent actress Trace Lysette, who issued a statement to Deadline claiming Tambor made lewd, sexually suggestive and unwelcome remarks on numerous occasions.

The transgender actress also alleges Tambor pressed up against her in a sexually aggressive manner during a break in filming and calls for Transparent showrunner Jill Soloway to “remove the problem and let the show go on.”

Tambor responded with a statement, reading: “I know I haven’t always been the easiest person to work with. I can be volatile and ill-tempered, and too often I express my opinions harshly and without tact. But I have never been a predator – ever.

“I am deeply sorry if any action of mine was ever misinterpreted by anyone as being sexually aggressive or if I ever offended or hurt anyone. But the fact is, for all my flaws, I am not a predator and the idea that someone might see me in that way is more distressing than I can express.”

Last week, Tambor was accused of harassing former assistant Van Barnes, a transgender woman who claimed the actor made lewd comments, repeatedly propositioned her, and groped her.

Tambor has denied both accounts, initially “adamantly and vehemently” denying Barnes claims, calling her “a former disgruntled assistant of mine”.

Amazon opened up an investigation into Barnes claims after they were made public. On Lysette’s comments, the studio said: “This information will be added to the ongoing investigation.” No official complaint has been made by Lysette against Tambor.

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