Why did Abby leave ‘NCIS’? Pauley Perrette’s NCIS departure explained

Abby Sciuto of CBS‘ hit show NCIS was one of the show’s most beloved characters. Played by the very talented Pauley Perette, Abby is portrayed as a gothic forensic scientist with a keen eye and a heart of gold. She graced the show for a wonderful 15 seasons, yet her time as part of the NCIS team came to an abrupt end. Many fans wondered what could have caused the popular character to disappear so suddenly.

Pauley Perette was a perfect fit for the role in more ways than one. Not only did she seem like a natural, but prior to he4 big break, the budding actress had actually studied at The John Jay School of Criminal Science in New York City. So some of that Abby forensic knowledge was gained from real life! It seemed like a dream role for Perrette, but according to some of her later tweets, it ended as a nightmare. So we wanted to know, what really happened behind the scenes, and what caused Perrette to take a break from her big break?

Pauley Perrette announced her departure from the show following season 15. Her final episode aired on May 8th, 2018. Perrette reported to USA Today that she “needed to breathe” following her long-time run on the show. In fact, she said that’s all she wanted to do. Perrette went on to say that she had had “such an interesting life” that now all she wanted to do — was nothing. It would be understandable; a 15-season run is long for any show. Yet there seemed to be more to the story than met the eye or the USA interview.

In fact, the interview is a complete 180 from the original rumors around Perrette’s quick exit. Although there weren’t just rumors, there were allegations and there were tweets, lots and lots of tweets.

Initially, Perrette absolutely fired off via Twitter, alleging “multiple physical assaults” and an implication that she was being silenced from telling the truth. It was quite the scandal. Fans were confused, networks were incensed, and it all led to speculation over why Perrette really left the show.

CBS responded in a statement to People admitting that Perrette had come to them over a “workplace concern” but that they had worked with her to “find a resolution.” Well, that’s cryptic. There were also rumors of a dog incident on set. Mark Harmon, who plays Jethro Gibbs, reportedly brought his dog to the set where it allegedly bit a crew member, resulting in 15 stitches. Reportedly Harmon continued to bring the dog on the set, although his lawyer disputes that fact. Regardless, according to Vanity Fair, a major rift developed between formerly-civil Harmon and Perrette. While a disturbing incident to be sure, sources claim Perrette was already intent on leaving the show before the incident.

Then, in yet another plot twist in this unfolding saga, Perrette had a complete change of tune. Two days later she posted how well CBS had always treated her and how thankful she was for them. Another 180. Is it just us, or are you getting dizzy from all the spinning?

It was a very confusing time. Yet Perrette was soon back on her feet in a new CBS comedy Broke, which she reported was a nice change after the seriousness of the “military show about murder.” Unfortunately, the show was canceled after only one season. However a new NCIC spinoff was recently announced by Paramount, so is it possible hat Perrette will return? She went ahead and asnwered that for us.

OK, got it. Doesn’t exactly sound like she left the show on the best of terms, despite the fuzzy CBS tweet. So officially, Perrette left the show because she needed a break and to pursue new opportunities. Unoficially there was some major drama on the set that helped push her out the door. Yet regardless of her quick exit, her legacy on the show as the beloved Abby Sciuto lives on.