Pauley Perrette Alleges Physical Assaults and Expresses Terror of Mark Harmon, Refusing NCIS Return
For years, Pauley Perrette was a beloved fixture on CBS’s hit procedural drama, NCIS, portraying the eccentric and brilliant forensic scientist Abby Sciuto. Her distinctive gothic style and sharp wit made Abby an enduring fan favorite across 15 seasons. However, Perrette’s departure from the series in 2017 sent shockwaves through the fan community, leaving many to speculate about the reasons behind her exit. While initial statements were vague, Perrette later began hinting at troubling experiences on set. Now, in a series of candid and deeply concerning tweets, the actress has not only detailed allegations of “physical assault” but has also explicitly named former co-star Mark Harmon as the source of her fear, declaring she will “EVER” return to the show.
The 50-year-old actress revealed on June 7, 2019, that her decision to leave NCIS was far from amicable, stemming from what she described as a terrifying and unsafe work environment. Her emphatic statement, “NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER! (Please stop asking?) I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me,” underscored the severity of her claims. Perrette further elaborated on the psychological toll these alleged incidents have taken, adding, “I have nightmares about it.” Her public plea for fans to cease inquiries about a potential return painted a vivid picture of distress, suggesting a deep-seated trauma that continues to affect her long after leaving the successful television franchise. This revelation marks a significant escalation from her previous, more generalized statements about workplace harassment.
The Troubling Allegations: A Timeline of Fear and Conflict on the NCIS Set
Pauley Perrette’s journey with NCIS began in 2003, and for over a decade and a half, she captivated audiences worldwide. Her character, Abby Sciuto, was not just a forensic expert but an integral part of the show’s emotional core, often providing comedic relief and a unique perspective. Her unexpected departure at the end of Season 15 left a void that many fans felt was impossible to fill. While the on-screen storyline depicted Abby moving on to a new life after a traumatic event, the reality behind Perrette’s exit, as she now describes it, appears to be much darker and more contentious.
Before her direct accusations against Mark Harmon, Perrette had alluded to severe workplace issues. In May 2018, nearly a year prior to her June 2019 tweets, she shared a cryptic but powerful message on social media. She tweeted, “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.” At the time, these statements, while deeply disturbing, lacked specific names or details, leading to widespread speculation but no concrete answers regarding the identity of her alleged aggressors or the nature of the “multiple physical assaults.” This earlier tweet highlighted a pattern of distress and a struggle for safety that ultimately led to her resignation from one of television’s most-watched shows.
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! You’ll love it!#HappyPlace Love y’all!
— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) June 7, 2019
The June 2019 tweets, however, were much more direct, pulling back the curtain on the alleged events. Perrette not only named Mark Harmon but also shared chilling photographic evidence of an alleged injury sustained by a crew member. She posted images of an individual with a severely battered eye requiring stitches, accompanied by a defiant caption: “You think I didn’t expect blow back? You got me wrong. THIS happened To my crew member and I fought like hell to keep it from happening again! To protect my crew! And then I was physically assaulted for saying NO!?and I lost my job.” This explosive claim linked her alleged physical assault directly to her efforts to protect her colleagues, suggesting a direct retaliation for advocating for workplace safety.
While Perrette did not explicitly state the cause of the crew member’s injury in her tweet, a 2016 report from TMZ sheds light on a potentially related incident. According to the report, Mark Harmon’s dog, which was frequently brought to the NCIS set, bit a crew member, necessitating stitches. This earlier event, if connected to Perrette’s claims, provides crucial context to her statements about fighting “like hell” to prevent further harm and protecting her crew. The timeline suggests a pattern of incidents that eventually culminated in Perrette’s departure under duress.
CBS Responds: A Network’s Stance on Workplace Concerns
In the wake of Perrette’s very public and detailed accusations, CBS, the network behind NCIS, released a statement to our sister website Deadline. The statement read: “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.” While acknowledging Perrette’s “workplace concern” and their commitment to safety, the statement remained largely generic, avoiding direct reference to Perrette’s specific allegations of physical assault or the naming of Mark Harmon. This measured response from the network highlights the delicate balance major studios often face when confronted with high-profile allegations involving their stars and successful franchises.
The network’s response, though seemingly supportive of Perrette’s right to safety, offered little in the way of specific actions taken or the outcomes of their “resolution.” It left many questions unanswered regarding the specifics of the “workplace concern” and how it was addressed. For fans and observers alike, the lack of transparency surrounding such serious allegations against a lead actor on one of their flagship shows raised further questions about accountability and the measures in place to truly ensure a safe environment for all cast and crew members.
A New Beginning: Finding a “Safe and Happy” Place
Despite the harrowing experiences she detailed, Pauley Perrette has moved forward in her career, finding a new professional home that she describes as “SAFE AND HAPPY!” After leaving NCIS, CBS picked up her new sitcom, Broke, in May 2019. This new venture, a stark contrast to the dramatic intensity of NCIS, provided Perrette with an opportunity to embrace a different kind of role and, crucially, a different work environment. Her enthusiastic endorsement of Broke as her “HappyPlace” underscores her desire to leave the alleged trauma of her previous workplace behind and focus on positive, healthy professional relationships.
Her transition to a new project and her willingness to speak out about her past experiences resonate with a broader cultural conversation about workplace safety and accountability, particularly within the entertainment industry. Perrette’s bravery in sharing her story, especially after a period of silence and generalized statements, has empowered many to re-evaluate what constitutes an acceptable work environment and the importance of speaking up against perceived injustices. While her departure from NCIS was a loss for many fans, her subsequent advocacy for safety and her pursuit of a fulfilling, fear-free career path serve as a powerful testament to her resilience and commitment to her well-being.
The allegations made by Pauley Perrette have undoubtedly cast a shadow over one of television’s most successful dramas and its long-standing star. Her detailed claims of physical assault and her explicit fear of Mark Harmon demand serious consideration and highlight the complex challenges of workplace dynamics, especially in high-pressure, high-profile environments like a television set. While the full truth of these events may never be publicly disclosed in their entirety, Perrette’s decision to speak out has brought renewed attention to the critical importance of ensuring safety and respect for everyone involved in creative productions, from the biggest stars to the dedicated crew members working tirelessly behind the scenes.