“I’m exposing him now,” Pauley Perrette said firmly, her voice steady but filled with years of emotion.

At 56, the actress best known for her iconic role as Abby Sciuto on *NCIS* has finally come forward to confirm rumors that fans and industry insiders have whispered about for over a decade.

For many, this moment felt like a long time coming.

But for Pauley, it was a deeply personal and painful decision—one she had wrestled with for years.

During an exclusive sit-down interview, Perrette appeared both composed and raw.

She chose her words carefully but made it clear that she was no longer interested in hiding the truth.

For years, she had been one of television’s most beloved personalities, celebrated for her quirky charm and intelligence on screen.

But behind the scenes, she was living a much different reality—one filled with fear, anxiety, and silence.

The rumors began circulating shortly after her sudden departure from *NCIS* in 2018.

Fans were shocked.

Abby was a central character, and Pauley’s exit seemed abrupt and mysterious.

At the time, she offered only vague statements, referencing “multiple physical assaults” and expressing fear for her safety.

Many assumed there was more to the story, but out of respect—or perhaps fear—Pauley kept the details hidden.

Until now.

In the interview, she confirmed that her departure from the show was not voluntary.

She revealed that she endured a toxic work environment that left her emotionally shattered.

Though she stopped short of naming the individual directly, it was clear she was referring to a powerful male figure connected to the production.

The details she shared were alarming—incidents of intimidation, aggressive behavior, and threats that made her feel unsafe on set.

Pauley admitted she had tried to handle things quietly through proper channels, hoping the studio would take action.

“I went to the right people,” she said.

“I filed reports. I documented everything. And nothing changed. In fact, things got worse.”

She described moments of isolation and retaliation, where she was made to feel like she was the problem for speaking up.

What finally pushed her to go public wasn’t revenge—it was the weight of silence.

“I kept quiet for years because I didn’t want to be labeled difficult. I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s career. But in protecting others, I lost myself.”

She said the burden of pretending everything was fine took a toll on her mental health.

She experienced panic attacks, nightmares, and ultimately decided she couldn’t continue under those conditions.

After her exit from the show, Pauley largely stepped away from Hollywood.

Though she remained active in philanthropy and occasionally appeared on talk shows, she avoided the spotlight.

She used that time to heal, to reflect, and to decide when—and how—she would finally speak her truth.

Now, she says, the time has come.

Her revelation has sparked a wave of support across social media, with fans and former colleagues expressing solidarity and outrage.

Many are now calling for deeper accountability within the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to protecting actors and crew members from abuse, regardless of the perpetrator’s status or power.

Pauley emphasized that this isn’t just about her—it’s about everyone who’s been silenced by fear or by contracts that threaten retaliation.

“There are so many people like me who haven’t spoken up. I hope my story gives them permission to do so,” she said.

She also acknowledged that going public comes with risks.

“I know I’ll be criticized. I know people will question my motives. But I’m not doing this for attention. I’m doing it because the truth matters, and because I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did.”

Though she’s not planning to return to acting anytime soon, Pauley says she’s found a new sense of peace in finally sharing her story.

She’s focusing on advocacy, mental health awareness, and using her platform to support others who feel voiceless.

As the headlines continue to spread, one thing is certain: Pauley Perrette’s courage in confirming what so many suspected is opening the door to long-overdue conversations in the entertainment world.

Her story is a powerful reminder that silence may protect reputations—but truth protects lives.