Jason Bateman has issued an apology (Picture: Gabriel Olsen/WireImage)

Jason Bateman has ‘deeply apologised’ for defending Jeffrey Tambor while Jessica Walter recalled him verbally harassing her on set.

In a lengthy interview with the New York Times, Jessica Walter – who plays Bluth matriarch Lucille on the cult show – is heard getting emotional as she discusses her co-star Jeffrey Tambor verbally harassing her on set.

While Jessica was tearing up, Tambor – who has denied allegations of sexual harassment from his assistant on the set of Transparent – was then defended by his Arrested Development co-star Jason Bateman.

Bateman, who plays George Bluth, said: ‘Not to belittle it or excuse it or anything – but in the entertainment industry it is incredibly common to have people who are, in quotes, “difficult”.


Jessica teared up while discussing Tambor’s behaviour (Picture: Netflix)

‘You learn about character and you learn about work habits, work ethics, and you start to understand. Because it’s a very amorphous process, this sort of shit that we do, you know, making up a fake life.



‘It’s a weird thing, and it is a breeding ground for atypical behavior and certain people have certain processes.’

Following the backlash to Jason’s mansplaining of Jessica’s own situation to her – which saw Thomas Sadoski call him ‘pathetic’ – the 49-year-old has now apologised, although claimed he wasn’t excusing Tambor’s behaviour.

Based on listening to the NYT interview and hearing people’s thoughts online, I realize that I was wrong here.

I sound like I’m condoning yelling at work. I do not.

It sounds like I’m excusing Jeffery. I do not.

It sounds like I’m insensitive to Jessica. I am not.

In fact, I’m- — Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) May 24, 2018

– horrified that I wasn’t more aware of how this incident affected her.

I was so eager to let Jeffrey know that he was supported in his attempt to learn, grow and apologize that I completely underestimated the feelings of the victim, another person I deeply love – and she was.. — Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) May 24, 2018

… sitting right there!

I’m incredibly embarrassed and deeply sorry to have done that to Jessica. This is a big learning moment for me.

I shouldn’t have tried so hard to mansplain, or fix a fight, or make everything okay.

I should’ve focused more on what the most important… — Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) May 24, 2018

…part of it all is – there’s never any excuse for abuse, in any form, from any gender. And, the victim’s voice needs to be heard and respected.

Period. I didn’t say that and instead said a bunch of other stuff and not very well.

I deeply, and sincerely, apologize. — Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) May 24, 2018

Bateman tweeted: ‘Based on listening to the NYT interview and hearing people’s thoughts online, I realize that I was wrong here.

‘I sound like I’m condoning yelling at work. I do not. It sounds like I’m excusing Jeffery. I do not. It sounds like I’m insensitive to Jessica. I am not. In fact, I’m horrified that I wasn’t more aware of how this incident affected her.

‘I was so eager to let Jeffrey know that he was supported in his attempt to learn, grow and apologize that I completely underestimated the feelings of the victim, another person I deeply love – and she was sitting right there!

‘I’m incredibly embarrassed and deeply sorry to have done that to Jessica. This is a big learning moment for me.’

He continued: ‘I shouldn’t have tried so hard to mansplain, or fix a fight, or make everything okay. I should’ve focused more on what the most important part of it all is – there’s never any excuse for abuse, in any form, from any gender. And, the victim’s voice needs to be heard and respected. Period.

‘I didn’t say that and instead said a bunch of other stuff and not very well. I deeply, and sincerely, apologize.’

Arrested Development series five is set to stream on Netflix on 29 May.

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MORE: Jason Bateman’s defense of Jeffrey Tambor branded ‘pathetic’ by Jessica Walter’s co-star Thomas Sadoski

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