Pauley Perrette is coming clean about the real reasons behind her shock exit from NCIS. The actress took to Twitter to set the record straight.

Breaking Her Silence

Perrett's last appearance on the show, as goth scientist Abby Scuito, aired on May 8. Up until now, she's been very positive about her time on NCIS and expressed hope on social media that fans would be satisfied with her final episode, which she described as some of her best work.

In the face of mounting speculation about why she left, from poor working conditions to ongoing issues with one of her co-stars, Perrette took to Twitter to face the rumors head-on.

Just a few days after her last episode aired, the actress finally broke her silence about where the decision to leave came from, and why she hasn't said anything up until now.

"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)," she wrote.

The Real Reason

A few hours later, she followed up with another tweet, wondering aloud whether she was doing the right thing by keeping quiet.

"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'm trying to do the right thing, but maybe silence isn't the right thing about crime," she added.

According to Perrette, the powers that are keeping her silent are leaking false news stories to make her look bad.

Alluding to issues with her co-star, Mark Harmon, she noted that she has been trying to remain calm.

Finally, the actress pointed out her anti-bullying work over the years, and how much of a hypocrite she feels for staying silent. She urged those reading to take action if faced with similar circumstances.

"I've been supporting ant-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," she concluded.

A Beloved Character

Perrette spoke to PEOPLE about her character's impact on young women ahead of her final episode's air date. She also explained how she dealt with being stalked for years, and her obsession with true crime. Perrette has a permanent restraining order, but even that isn't enough to keep her completely safe.

In several interviews, she talked about how Sciuto encouraged girls to look at a career in science as an option for them, and that Abby has made it cool to be smart.

Perrette starred as a forensic scientist on the crime drama for 15 seasons and was a fan favorite throughout her run. Sciuto left NCIS following the death of a colleague. In the final episode, Perrette did not appear in any scene with Harmon.

Tags: Pauley Perrette NCIS Rumors assault Mark Harmon