NCIS actress alleges she left show due to ‘multiple physical assaults’

NCIS actress Pauley Perrette claims she left the hit show after 15 seasons due to physical abuse

NCIS is one of those American police dramas that is perfect for a rainy Sunday evening – crimes get solved in an hour and (usually) justice prevails. However, one of its former stars has now claimed that, behind the scenes, all was not as it seemed.

Pauley Perrette, who played the forensic scientist Abby Sciuto in the show for fifteen seasons before her final episode was aired in the US last week, has alleged that she left the show due to physical abuse. Through a series of Twitter posts after her final episode aired, Pauley claimed that she has never told the truth about her reasons for leaving NCIS and that certain tabloid articles were ‘telling total lies about [her]’.

I refused to go low, that's why I've never told publicly what happened. But there are tabloid articles out there that are telling total lies about me. If you believe them? Please leave me alone. You clearly don't know me. (Sorry guys, had to be said)

— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) May 13, 2018

She went on to say that she was keeping silent and not ‘spilling the beans’ due to the alleged existence of a ‘very powerful publicity “machine”’.

Maybe I'm wrong for not "spilling the beans" Telling the story, THE TRUTH. I feel I have to protect my crew, jobs and so many people. But at what cost? I.don't know. Just know, I'm trying to do the right thing, but maybe silence isn't the right thing about crime. I'm… Just… ?

— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) May 13, 2018

There is a "machine' keeping me silent, and feeding FALSE stories about me. A very rich, very powerful publicity "machine". No morals, no obligation to truth, and I'm just left here, reading the lies, trying to protect my crew. Trying to remain calm. He did it.

— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) May 13, 2018

In her final post on the matter, Pauley broke the news about the alleged ‘multiple physical assaults’ that she suffered and reminded fans that ‘nothing is worth your safety’.

I've been supporting ant-bullying programs forever. But now I KNOW because it was ME! If it's school or work, that you're required to go to? It's horrifying. I left. Multiple Physical Assaults. I REALLY get it now. Stay safe. Nothing is worth your safety. Tell someone.

— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) May 13, 2018

CBS, the network that airs NCIS, quickly responded to the claims with a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: ‘Pauley Perrette had a terrific run on NCIS and we are all going to miss her. Over a year ago, Pauley came to us with a workplace concern. We took the matter seriously and worked with her to find a resolution. We are committed to a safe work environment on all our shows.’

Pauley appeared to accept this statement, and tweeted out in support of the network and studio:

I want to thank my studio and network CBS They have always been so good to me and always had my back.

— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) May 16, 2018

Pauley  Perrette has previously used her Twitter as a platform to support the Me Too movement.

I never met THAT Harvey Weinstein But I sure do know him. In different shapes, sizes and names… pic.twitter.com/nXqkxUOLSz

— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) October 13, 2017

In October last year, she spoke out about her own experience of sexual violence, and how ‘these awful sexual assault revelations are not only common in the entertainment industry, but everywhere.’