Exclusive: Pauley Perrette claims she left 'NCIS' to focus on charity work even as she hints at physical abuse on sets

The 49-year-old actress who played Abby Sciuto on the crime show has alluded to physical abuse and bullying on the sets via tweets.
UPDATED JAN 16, 2020
Pauley Perrette (Getty Images)
Pauley Perrette (Getty Images)

It has been a while since the 'NCIS' fans learned that one of the show's favorites, Pauley Perrette, is leaving the show after fifteen seasons. While she has more or less remained mum regarding why she left the show, her recent tweets seem to reveal the toxic work environment is probably what led her to quit.  

In a statement, the actress' PR told Meaww that following the conclusion of her role in the show, Pauley has "decided to take a well-earned rest from publicity activities." It further revealed, "She remains active with her charity work and will certainly be seen in new projects in the future." 

The story arch of her character Abby Sciuto is going to end when she travels to London along with the body of Clayton Reeves (played by Duane Henry), who died protecting her. Post the funeral, Abby is expected to stay on across the pond. This ending seems hurried at best.  

Moreover, as calm and positive as this statement sounds, Pauley's latest tweets has us speculating about the true nature of her departure from the crime show abruptly in October last year. While these cryptic tweets were vague and did not specifically point at NCIS or its broadcast network, CBS, she did say that she "refused to go low, that’s why I’ve never told publicly what happened." 

Pauley further clarified, "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… ?" As she further points out the irony of her situation: "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?"

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Starring Ramón Rodríguez, 'Will Trent' has been one of ABC's top-tier series and was ranked as the most-watched scripted series.
12 hours ago
The beloved children's book, 'Little House on the Prairie,' had previously been adapted for television by the Michael Landon series on NBC.
12 hours ago
'Euphoria' Season 3 opens with Rue smuggling narcotics across the border from Mexico with a dangerous network.
14 hours ago
Dr. Samira Mohan has been having a tough time in 'The Pitt' Season 2, from being distracted by her mother to having a panic attack.
14 hours ago
Jon Hamm opened up about playing Andrew Cooper in Season 2 of Apple TV's dark comedy crime drama, ‘Your Friends & Neighbors,’ during the PaleyFest.
15 hours ago
The third season of 'The Pitt' has granted a series regular role to Ayesha Harris' Dr. Ellis
15 hours ago
'Euphoria' delivers a heartfelt message at the end of the first episode by remembering those who have passed away
20 hours ago
Season 2 ended with the much-loved character being surrounded by police in a raid
21 hours ago
Euphoria picks up five years after the last season's finale, and while some have moved on, certain characters are still stuck in the past
22 hours ago
The latest episode sees Kayce and his team embark on their next mission to protect a federal judge and her family from danger
23 hours ago