Jeff Garlin left ‘The Goldbergs’ in the middle production for its ninth season.
Variety reports that Jeff Garlin, a long-running ABC sitcom The Goldbergs, has resigned amid allegations of misconduct on-set and an ongoing investigation by HR.
According to reports, it was mutually decided between Garlins and The Goldbergs that he should leave. His departure will take effect immediately and The Goldbergs won’t be able to film their ninth season without him. The show isn’t sure how it will deal with the departure of the actor playing the role of patriarch of the show’s titular family.
A representative from ABC confirmed Garlin’s departure to Rolling Stone but declined to comment further. Reps from Garlin and Sony Pictures Television, which produces the show, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Although no formal allegations have been made against Garlin, rumors about Garlin’s workplace conduct have been swirling for some while. Three former employees at Goldbergs recently told Vanity Fair the actor allegedly engaged with verbal and physical conduct that made people uncomfortable. Garlin spoke to Vanity Fair about that piece as well. He denied rumors that he had been fired but said that he was under investigation by HR for the past three years.
Garlin addressed a specific incident involving a stand-in. This was allegedly both verbal and physical. Garlin claimed that things did not escalate and that the matter was “completely missed”. (Garlin also said that he had previously worked with the stand in and that he was sorry for it).
Garlin stated that there was a “difference in opinion” between him and Sony on the issue. He stated that he has his own process regarding how funny he is. They feel it creates an unsafe workspace. Mind you, I’m not sure how my sillyness makes a unsafe workspace. I’m also on a comedy program. I am always kind and thoughtful. Yes, I make mistakes. My comedy is all about relieving people’s pain. For a laugh, why would I want to cause pain? That’s bullying. This is uncalled for.
Garlin was also confronted during the interview with accusations that he made people feel uncomfortable by touching or hugging them. Garlin stated that if he hugged someone and it made them feel uncomfortable, they can even go to HR. “But HR has never spoken to me about hugs. Let’s be clear about that.
Also, he was asked about the text he sent to Goldbergs colleague suggesting that they go to next table-read without too many clothes. Garlin stated that he doesn’t recall sending the text, but added that he would like to see the text as well as the recipient. However, everything I write is humour. Respect for women’s bodies is something I practice. It’s not something I find funny, so I don’t make jokes about it.”
