Abby Sciuto, portrayed by Pauley Perrette, was a fan favorite on NCIS. Her unique Gothic style, combined with her always upbeat and bubbly personality, made her stand out. For many viewers, she was the heart of the show, and her character’s quirky charm was a key part of the show’s success. Pauley became one of the most beloved actresses in American primetime television, which made her decision to leave NCIS in 2017 particularly shocking for fans. This sudden departure left many wondering what led to the end of Abby’s journey on the show.
The Alleged Fallout with Mark Harmon
Pauley’s exit from NCIS at the end of season 15 was not just about the character’s resignation after surviving an assassination attempt. Reports suggest that the real reason behind her departure was a growing tension with Mark Harmon, who played the show’s lead, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The conflict reportedly began in 2016 following an incident where Mark Harmon’s dog bit a crew member, resulting in serious injuries that required 15 stitches. The behind-the-scenes clash between the two stars led to a shift in the dynamics of the show, particularly for Pauley.
Interestingly, in her emotional final episode, Pauley’s character Abby didn’t share any scenes with Gibbs. Instead, Abby said her goodbyes to her colleagues at NCIS headquarters and left Gibbs a heartfelt letter, which he read while standing outside, away from the action. This creative decision further hinted at the tension between the two.
Pauley’s Cryptic Tweets and Public Response
Following the airing of her final episode, Pauley took to Twitter to address the rumors surrounding her departure. While she didn’t go into specifics, her tweets seemed to hint at a deeper issue, particularly with the way the situation was being portrayed in the media. She tweeted, “I refused to go low, that’s why I’ve never told publicly what happened. But there are tabloid articles out there that are telling total lies about me. If you believe them? Please leave me alone. You clearly don’t know me.” These words were followed by another tweet expressing her inner conflict about whether or not she should tell the full story: “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.”
Pauley also shared her frustration over the false stories being spread about her and the lack of accountability from the media. She later revealed she had experienced multiple physical assaults, urging others to prioritize their safety and speak out if necessary. These cryptic posts indicated that there was far more going on behind the scenes than what fans had been led to believe.
CBS Responds to Pauley’s Concerns
In response to Pauley’s public statements, CBS released a statement acknowledging the concerns she raised regarding her workplace environment. The network emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful work environment for all employees. However, it was clear that the tensions between Pauley and Mark Harmon persisted, with Pauley later expressing her fear that Mark might attack her. She shared that these fears led to nightmares, which clearly weighed heavily on her well-being. Despite the ongoing speculation from fans regarding her potential return to NCIS, Pauley firmly stated on Twitter that she would not be coming back to the show. She also shared that she was now focusing on a new project that provided a safer, happier environment for her.
Pauley’s Post-NCIS Career
After leaving NCIS, Pauley Perrette briefly starred in the CBS sitcom Broke in 2020. However, her time in television acting came to an end soon after, as she decided to retire from acting entirely. Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding her departure from NCIS, Pauley remains a respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her portrayal of Abby Sciuto continues to be one of the most iconic and beloved roles in TV history. Even though her career took a different path, Pauley’s legacy as an actress and her impact on NCIS will not be forgotten.
