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CBS Answers Allegations as Former NCIS Star Points Fingers

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Until very recently, Pauley Perrette played Abby Sciuto, one of the most popular characters on one of CBS’ most popular programs: NCIS. Then, shocking her fans, Perrette announced she would no longer be on the show. She was quitting… and fans would not like the reason.

In a series of tweets announcing her departure from the program, Perrette said “multiple physical assaults” played a role in her decision to leave. The actress also complained about “tabloid articles out there that are telling total lies about me,” but it was clear she was very unhappy about things that happened on the set of NCIS.

The tweets were like an exploding bomb for fans and for the network. After all, “Abby” was a mainstay on a show that has been running for 15 successful seasons. Fans expressed shock and dismay, and rumors started flying. The drama grew so thick, CBS had little choice but to respond. CBS Television Studios released a statement which read, in part:

“Pauley Perrette had a terrific run on NCIS and we are all going to miss her… Over a year ago, Pauley came to us with a workplace concern… We took the matter seriously and worked with her to find a resolution. We are committed to a safe work environment on all our shows.”

As you might imagine, that kind of vague statement only stoked the flames of curiosity from fans. They wanted to know what happened, who was involved, and to what extent those events were involved in “Abby’s” departure from the show.

Perrette was not forthcoming, declining to identify who “assaulted” her, and declining to explain the nature of the alleged incident. “I refuse to go low, that’s why I’ve never told publicly what happened… But there are tabloid articles out there telling total lies about me… If you believe them, please leave me alone… You don’t know me.”

After a pause, Perrette continued her explanation on Twitter: “I’m just trying to do the right thing… Maybe silence isn’t the right thing… Stay safe. Nothing is worth your safety… Tell someone.”

The cryptic explanations only served to pique fans’ curiosity even more. Most expressed understanding as to why Perrette would have remained silent for a time, and they offered support for the actress, but they still wanted to know more. Since neither the actress nor the network are assuaging that curiosity, the rumors may end up taking on a life of their own. This could mean difficult questions for the rest of the cast of the hit show.

About Ronn Torossian

Ronn Torossian is the Founder and CEO of 5W Public Relations. He is an experienced leader in the public relations industry with over 20 years of experience. Ronn Torossian has been named as Public Relations executive of the year by the American Business Awards, and has run countless award-winning Public Relations programs.

Ronn Torossian

Ronn Torossian is the Founder and Chairman of 5WPR, one of the largest independently-owned PR firms in the United States. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America’s most prolific and well-respected Public Relations professionals. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company’s growth, overseeing more than 275 professionals. With clients spanning corporate, technology, consumer and crisis, in addition to digital marketing and public affairs capabilities, 5WPR is regularly recognized as an industry leader and has been named “PR Agency of the Year” by the American Business Awards on multiple occasions. Throughout his career, Torossian has worked with some of the world’s most visible companies, brands and organizations. His strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, Metropolitan Magazine’s Most Influential New Yorker, a 2020 Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, and a recipient of Crain’s New York 2021 Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Torossian is known as one of the country’s foremost experts on crisis communications, and is called on to counsel blue chip companies, top business executives and entrepreneurs both in the United States and worldwide. Torossian has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly on CNN & CNBC, is a contributing columnist for Forbes and the New York Observer, and has authored two editions of his book, “For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations,” which is an industry best-seller. A NYC native, Torossian is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and active in numerous charities.

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