For fifteen seasons, forensic scientist Abby Sciuto, played by the effervescent Pauley Perrette, was a beloved mainstay on the hit crime drama "NCIS." Her signature goth style, complete with jet-black hair and dark makeup, stood in stark contrast to her bubbly personality and unwavering enthusiasm for her work. At the peak of her "NCIS" fame, Pauley was a household name, a primetime television darling.
So, when Pauley Perrette announced her departure from "NCIS" in 2018, fans were shocked and heartbroken. The show explained Abby's exit – her character resigned after a near-death experience. But, whispers began to circulate about the true reasons behind Pauley's decision.
A Rumored Feud and a Cryptic Farewell
Instagram |ncis_usa22 | Speculations of discord between Pauley Perrette and co-star Mark Harmon circulated widely.
Many reports suggested a falling out between Pauley Perrette and her co-star, Mark Harmon, who plays Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the gruff and dedicated team leader on "NCIS". The alleged tension reportedly stemmed from an incident in 2016 involving Mark's dog, which bit a crew member on set. This, according to some sources, unsettled Pauley, a fervent animal rights advocate.
During Pauley's emotional goodbye episode, there was no on-screen interaction between her and Mark. Instead, Abby said her goodbyes to her other colleagues and left a letter for Gibbs, watching from afar as he read it.
Taking to Twitter: A Cry for Help?
In the days following the episode's broadcast, Pauley took to Twitter, posting a series of cryptic tweets hinting at the situation. She expressed frustration about "false stories" being spread and a need to protect her crew and their jobs. She alluded to a "machine" keeping her silent and forcing her to endure a hostile work environment. She emphasized her fear and the toll it had taken on her well-being.
While Pauley never named Mark Harmon, her tweets suggested a pattern of bullying and a feeling of being unsafe. She concluded by urging fans to prioritize their safety and to speak up against bullying.
Instagram | dailysoapdish | "NCIS" acknowledged Pauley Perrette's tenure and commitment to safety.
Official Statements and Lingering Questions
CBS, the network that airs "NCIS," responded with a statement acknowledging Pauley's impressive run on the show and their commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. They also confirmed that Pauley had brought a workplace concern to their attention, and they had addressed it.
Despite these statements, a cloud of uncertainty hung over Pauley's departure. Fans yearned for answers, and the lack of clarity fueled speculation.
Finally Breaking the Silence
In 2019, a year after leaving "NCIS," Pauley addressed the situation once again on Twitter. Responding to a flurry of messages from fans inquiring about a potential return, she stated that she would never return to the show. She admitted to fearing Mark Harmon and experiencing nightmares about him. She emphasized finding a new, safe, and happy work environment.
An On-Set Incident and Mounting Tension
Instagram | davidbesh | "NCIS" producer Charles Floyd Johnson discusses factors behind Pauley Perrette's departure.
In a recent interview, ''NCIS'' executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson shed some light on the events that may have contributed to Pauley's exit. He confirmed an incident involving Mark's dog biting a crew member.
He elaborated on Pauley's deep concern for animal welfare and her discomfort with the dog's continued presence on set. This, coupled with the growing tension between her and Mark, led Pauley to make the difficult decision to leave ''NCIS''.
