Jeff Garlin Exits ‘The Goldbergs’ Amid HR Investigation Into On-Set Misconduct

Jeff Garlin is leaving The Goldbergs. The actor, who plays Murray Goldberg on ABC’s long-running comedy series, has been involved in multiple misconduct allegations and HR investigations. Sources told Variety that the actor’s exit was a mutual decision, and that his termination is effective immediately.

In a December 3 interview with Vanity Fair, Garlin confirmed that an HR investigation into his on-set conduct has been ongoing for the last three years. However, he denied rumors that he had been fired from The Goldbergs.

“My opinion is, I have my process about how I’m funny, in terms of the scene and what I have to do,” he said. “[Sony] feel that it makes for a quote ‘unsafe’ workspace.”

Three former Goldbergs employees previously told VF that the actor allegedly “engaged in a pattern of verbal and physical conduct on set that made people uncomfortable.” Sources added that Garlin would often touch or hug people regardless of whether they were comfortable with being touched by him.

According to Deadline, several anonymous current and former employees reached out about Garlin’s on set behavior after the VF piece was published, calling him “extremely verbally and emotionally abusive,” and noting an instance in which he allegedly screamed at a stand-in for getting in his way after an on-set rehearsal.

When VF asked whether he was considering leaving The Goldbergs, Garlin replied, “We’re trying to come to a place where we come to an agreement. Either I can behave the way [they want] or not. We’ll see, but I’m not being fired and I’ve not been fired… When I do shoot more days, just to make it go smooth, I will not be doing any of my silly stuff or anything, out of respect.”

Garlin is also currently a cast member and executive producer on Curb Your Enthusiasm, although it’s unclear whether the actor’s termination from The Goldbergs will have any impact on his role in the HBO comedy.

ABC and HBO both declined to comment.