Abby Sciuto, brought to life by Pauley Perrette, was more than just a character on NCIS; she was a phenomenon. Her unique gothic style, juxtaposed with an ever-optimistic personality, made her a beloved figure for viewers. In fact, Pauley Perrette’s portrayal of Abby propelled her to become one of the most popular actresses on primetime television in the US.
Therefore, it was no surprise that a wave of disappointment washed over fans when Pauley announced her departure from the show. The burning question on everyone’s mind was: why did Abby leave NCIS? What were the circumstances surrounding her exit, and what has Pauley Perrette revealed about it since? Let’s delve into the details.
WATCH: Pauley Perrette left NCIS in 2018 after over 15 years in the role.
While Abby’s on-screen departure at the end of season 15 of NCIS was explained as a resignation following a harrowing assassination attempt, the reality behind Pauley Perrette’s exit was reportedly much more complex. According to numerous sources, the true reason for her leaving stemmed from a significant fallout with the show’s lead, Mark Harmon.
Reports indicate that tensions flared between the two stars in 2016, triggered by an incident involving Mark Harmon’s dog on set. Harmon allegedly brought his dog to the set, where it bit a crew member, resulting in the individual needing 15 stitches. Interestingly, and perhaps tellingly, Pauley and Mark did not share any screen time during Abby’s emotional farewell episode. Abby’s goodbyes were shared with her other NCIS colleagues at headquarters, with a letter delivered to Gibbs and a final, distant look as he read it from the street.
Pauley Perrette embodied the quirky and beloved Abby Sciuto for fifteen seasons of the CBS hit drama.
In the days immediately following her final episode airing, Pauley took to Twitter, posting a series of cryptic tweets that seemed to allude to the behind-the-scenes conflict. Her initial tweet read: “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. (Sorry guys, had to be said).”
The following day, she continued, adding: “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. Just know, I’m trying to do the right thing, but maybe silence isn’t the right thing about crime. I’m… Just… ?”
Reports suggest a workplace incident led to a rift between Pauley Perrette and Mark Harmon.
She further elaborated on the situation, tweeting: “There is a ‘machine’ keeping me silent, and feeding FALSE stories about me. A very rich, very powerful publicity ‘machine’. No morals, no obligation to truth, and I’m just left here, reading the lies, trying to protect my crew. Trying to remain calm. He did it.” Perrette concluded this series of tweets with a powerful message: “I’ve been supporting ant[i]-bullying programs forever. But now I KNOW because it was ME! If it’s school or work, that you’re required to go to? It’s horrifying. I left. Multiple Physical Assaults. I REALLY get it now. Stay safe. Nothing is worth your safety. Tell someone.”
At the time, CBS released a formal statement addressing the situation: “Pauley Perrette had a terrific run on NCIS and we are all going to miss her,” it stated. “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.”
After fifteen seasons, Pauley Perrette decided to leave NCIS, a departure that shocked and saddened many fans.
In 2019, amidst continued speculation and questions from fans about a possible return to the show, Pauley once again took to Twitter to definitively shut down any rumors. She wrote: “NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER! (Please stop asking?) I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me. I have nightmares about it. I have a new show that is SAFE AND HAPPY! You’ll love it! #HappyPlace Love y’all!”
Years later, executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson offered further insight into Pauley’s departure. Referring to the on-set incident that triggered the conflict, he shared with The Hollywood Reporter in a 2023 oral history: “In Pauley Perrette’s case, there was an incident with the show with a dog.“
Johnson elaborated: “The dog was Mark Harmon’s, and apparently the dog bit someone. Pauley was a huge, huge SPCA [Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals] animal person. And then the dog kept coming with Harmon, and she felt it wasn’t safe for the show. By the end of that year, she just felt like it wasn’t working for her anymore, and it was time to move on.”
Ultimately, while Abby Sciuto’s exit was written into the NCIS storyline, the real-life reasons behind Pauley Perrette’s departure were rooted in a workplace conflict and a sense of unease that ultimately led her to leave the show after fifteen seasons. For fans who adored Abby, understanding the circumstances surrounding Pauley’s exit provides a clearer picture of why this beloved character’s time on NCIS came to an end.
