For years, NCIS fans have speculated about the off-screen tension between Pauley Perrette and Mark Harmon, which ultimately led to Perrette’s departure from the show in 2018. The drama reportedly stemmed from an incident involving Harmon’s dog, which allegedly bit a crew member on set. Perrette, who was outspoken about workplace safety, was said to have taken issue with how the situation was handled. This led to reports that the two actors had a falling out, with Perrette refusing to share scenes with Harmon in her final season.

After leaving NCIS, Perrette posted a series of cryptic tweets alluding to “multiple physical assaults” and stating that she was “terrified” of returning to the show. While she never directly named Harmon, many fans connected her statements to the rumored behind-the-scenes conflict. However, CBS later released a statement saying they had resolved the matter privately, and Perrette eventually moved on to a new sitcom, Broke, before retiring from acting in 2020.

Harmon, known for keeping his personal and professional matters private, has never publicly commented on the alleged feud. He remained focused on his role as both the lead actor and executive producer of NCIS

 until his departure in 2021. While rumors of tension persisted, neither he nor Perrette have provided further details, leaving much of the situation up to speculation. In recent years, Perrette has expressed gratitude for her time on NCIS, while also making it clear that she has no plans to return.

Despite past controversies, both actors have moved forward with their lives and careers in different ways. Perrette has shifted her focus to activism and personal pursuits, while Harmon remains involved in  television production. Although fans may never get a full explanation of what truly happened, it’s clear that the two have chosen to leave the past behind and focus on their respective futures.