Just over a year after vaguely referencing “multiple physical assaults” on the NCIS set, Pauley Perrette has provided more details, placing series lead Mark Harmon at the center of her claims.
In a recent tweet, the NCIS alum emphatically stated that she would not return to the show and expressed fear of Harmon, alleging that she had nightmares about him attacking her. A couple of hours later, she shared close-up photos of a crew member who was reportedly bitten by Harmon’s dog on set in October 2016. TMZ had previously reported that the crew member needed 16 stitches after an incident while “roughhousing” with Harmon’s then three-year-old pit bull mix.
In a follow-up tweet, Perrette defended her actions, explaining that she fought to prevent such incidents and protect her crew. She claimed to have been physically assaulted for saying no, leading to the loss of her job.
Perrette’s last appearance on NCIS was in the penultimate Season 15 episode, where her character Abby committed to overseeing a charity for homeless women. She left the show without sharing a heartfelt farewell with Harmon’s Gibbs, and instead, they exchanged a conspicuously edited ASL goodbye across his front lawn.
Days after her final NCIS episode, Perrette hinted on Twitter about “multiple physical assaults” on set but refrained from providing details, citing her commitment to taking the high road. She alluded to a powerful publicity “machine” keeping her silent but maintained that “He did it.”
CBS responded at the time, acknowledging Perrette’s workplace concern, stating that they took the matter seriously and worked towards a resolution for a safe work environment on all their shows.
Perrette is slated to return to CBS in 2020, starring in the midseason comedy Broke alongside Jane the Virgin’s Jaime Camil.