Jeffrey Tambor Cut From Transparent Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

It looks like Transparent will have to forge ahead without its matriarch, Maura Pfefferman (Jeffrey Tambor).

Tambor's contract on the show has not been renewed, Deadline reports, meaning he will not appear in Season 5. This comes after Amazon wrapped up an internal investigation into sexual harassment allegations made against the actor by one of his Transparent co-stars and a former assistant.

In a private Facebook post, Van Barnes claimed Tambor acted inappropriately towards her during her time as his assistant. Trace Lysette, who recurs on the series as one of Maura's friends, also alleged inappropriate behavior, claiming he thrust his penis against her while filming Season 2 and made explicit sexual remarks.

Tambor has responded to being dropped from the show, maintaining his innocence and criticizing the accusations against him and the subsequent investigation by Amazon.

"I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon's handling of these false accusations against me," Tambor said in a statement. "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."

During Amazon's investigation, Tambor sparked rumors that he was leaving the series after saying he wasn't sure how he could return to set following the allegations and a rep later clarified that he had "no plans to quit." Now, it looks like Transparent writers will have to work out a fifth season without the show's central character.

Tambor may be out but Gaby Hoffmann, Jay Duplass, Judith Light and Amy Landecker will all reprise their roles for the upcoming season.