Wait, What's This About Jeffrey Tambor Not Actually Leaving Transparent?

As various male celebrities and powerful men continue to face the consequences of their own behavior, the films and/or television programs they have been attached to (if they survive at all) have been sent into a frenzy.

Some have been evicted from their former kingdoms. Kevin Spacey has been written out of House of Cards and literally erased out of Ridley Scott’s upcoming All the Money in the World, for instance. And it seemed like Transparent star Jeffrey Tambor was heading the same way when two trans women who worked on the show said he sexually harassed them. Tambor issued a statement denying the allegations and alluding to his departure. That, it appeared, was that. But it turns out Tambor maybe isn’t quitting after all.

A source had told Variety that that the writers on the show were outlining the upcoming fifth season without Tambor, but according to a New York Times article on Wednesday, he is still attached to Transparent while Amazon is investigating the allegations:

A few days later, in a new statement provided to The Times, Mr. Mayer expanded on Mr. Tambor’s position: “What he said was that given the toxic atmosphere and the politicization on the set, it’s very hard for him to see how he can possibly return. But no final decision for next year has been made, either by Jeffrey or by Amazon.” He declined to elaborate on what Mr. Tambor meant by toxic atmosphere and politicization of the set.

Creator Jill Soloway is also staying quiet on the matter:

Responding to questions, Mx. Soloway wrote, “I take what Van Barnes and Trace Lysette are saying very seriously,” but declined to discuss the accusations, citing Amazon’s internal investigation.

The Times piece also explored the impact of the claims against Tambor on Transparent, a show that prided itself on creating an inclusive, pro-trans community. Many pointed out their disappointment in having a straight cis man being the potential downfall of such a groundbreaking show about trans characters.

For all the community-building the show has done, Transparent is putting its star before its trans actresses and crew members as long as even the idea of keeping Tambor around is still in play. And while the show awaits the results of Amazon’s investigation, it’s clear that his presence is jeopardizing the community that Soloway and others have fostered.