Jeff Garlin is abruptly departing the hit sitcom “The Goldbergs” following a series of misconduct allegations and a network investigation into the actor’s allegedly “abusive” behavior on set.
The bombshell exit comes several weeks after the comedian, 59, publicly revealed that he had not been fired from the long-running ABC sitcom.
According to sources close to the show, it was a mutual decision for Garlin not to return to the series, Deadline reported. Meanwhile, the comedian’s termination is effective immediately — and he will not complete his work on the remainder of “The Goldbergs’” ninth season.
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Garlin, who played curmudgeonly Goldberg patriarch Murray Christian Goldberg, admitted to Vanity Fair that he’d been the subject of an HR department probe over the last three years due to his on-set conduct.
“He is extremely verbally and emotionally abusive,” an anonymous “Goldbergs” employee told Deadline.
However, the “Arrested Development” alum dismissed his antics as silly, misunderstood gags that rubbed some cast and crew members the wrong way.
“It’s always the same thing,” lamented Garlin. “It’s about me and my silliness on set. They don’t think it’s appropriate. I do. That’s where we’re at.”
He added that he didn’t know how to “respond” to the accusations “because as a comedian, if somebody is offended by what I say I, all I can say is, I’m sorry. Okay?”
Nonetheless, the “Mad About You” actor, who was reportedly nearly sacked in 2019 due to inappropriate language during production, has admitted to liberally using the word “vagina” on set, Deadline reported. Other frequent complaints involved his frequently discussing “balls,” using demeaning language, and referring to longtime female colleagues by offensive nicknames.
Some said they also felt uncomfortable with the actor’s penchant for handing out hugs — a habit that Garlin admitted to.
“It’s quick hugs, but I didn’t realize that anyone was feeling—so if you want to write that story, that’s a true story,” he said. “It puts the onus on them to say something, and I would gladly respect anyone who said, ‘Please don’t hug me. I don’t feel comfortable.’”
Showrunners for “The Goldbergs” have yet to reveal if the show will be renewed for a tenth season in light of Garlin’s termination.
It’s also yet unclear if the funnyman’s firing will impact his tenure on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where he serves as both a main cast member and executive producer.