The Truth Behind Pauley Perrette’s Shocking Exit from NCIS
Pauley Perrette’s portrayal of Abby Sciuto in NCIS remains one of the most beloved performances in television history, spanning 352 episodes and 15 seasons. However, her sudden departure in 2018 left fans shocked and curious about the real reasons behind it. Over the years, Perrette has made chilling allegations against her co-star Mark Harmon, alluding to a toxic and unsafe work environment. Here’s a closer look at the controversy that surrounded her exit and the feud that overshadowed her time on the show.
Perrette’s Allegations Against Mark Harmon
When Perrette left NCIS following her character Abby’s emotional farewell after Clayton Reeves’ death, rumors swirled about behind-the-scenes drama. Initially, the actress remained silent, citing a desire to protect her crew and colleagues. But shortly after her exit, she took to social media to shed light on her experiences.
In a series of cryptic yet scathing tweets, Perrette accused a powerful “machine” of spreading false stories about her departure and suggested that she had endured “multiple physical assaults” on set. One of her tweets read:
“I’ve been supporting anti-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.”
Her tweets hinted at serious workplace concerns, leading CBS to issue a statement acknowledging her claims:
“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.”
While Perrette thanked CBS for their support, the drama didn’t end there.
The Dog Bite Incident
Reports emerged that a rift between Perrette and Harmon stemmed from an incident involving Harmon’s dog. Allegedly, the dog bit a crew member, causing injuries severe enough to require stitches. Despite this, Harmon reportedly continued to bring the dog to set, which reportedly led to tension with Perrette. Sources claimed the conflict escalated to the point where the two stars refused to work on the same days during Perrette’s final season, ensuring their characters never shared screen time.
Harmon’s legal team denied that the dog returned to set after the incident, but Perrette’s allegations painted a different picture.
More Explosive Accusations
In 2019, Perrette took to social media again, vehemently denying rumors of a possible return to NCIS. She wrote:
“NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER! (Please stop asking?) I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me. I have nightmares about it. I have a new show that is SAFE AND HAPPY!”
Adding fuel to the fire, she reportedly shared photos of a crew member with stitches and a black eye, alleging that these injuries occurred due to the dog incident. She claimed she fought to protect the crew and was physically assaulted for speaking out, further suggesting that this conflict contributed to her departure.
CBS’s Attempts to Keep the Controversy Quiet
Despite Perrette’s public accusations, CBS has largely avoided commenting further on the matter. This silence has only fueled speculation about what truly happened on the set of NCIS.
A Troubled Legacy
Pauley Perrette’s departure from NCIS remains one of the most dramatic exits in TV history. While the exact details of the alleged incidents remain unclear, her statements and the visible tension between her and Harmon have left a lasting mark on the show’s legacy. Fans continue to debate whether the network did enough to address the issues, but one thing is certain: Perrette’s experience has become an unforgettable chapter in the story of NCIS.
