Longtime Kermit the Frog voice actor Steve Whitmire was replaced as the sound behind the high-pitched beloved puppet after 27 years due to his ''unacceptable business conduct''.
Last week it was announced Whitmire was to be replaced but no reason was given.
The 57-year-old puppeteer, who inherited the iconic role in 1990 following the death of Muppets creator Jim Henson, has told the Hollywood Reporter it was because he spoke up against changes being made to the character he felt were against what Henson would have wanted.
"They felt I had been 'disrespectful' in being outspoken," he said.
A statement from the Muppet Studios said it was due to his "unacceptable business conduct."
"The role of Kermit the Frog is an iconic one that is beloved by fans and we take our responsibility to protect the integrity of that character very seriously.
"We raised concerns about Steve's repeated unacceptable business conduct over a period of many years and he consistently failed to address the feedback. The decision to part ways was a difficult one which was made in consultation with the Henson family and has their full support."
Witmire has been replaced by another performer, Matt Vogel, who is also a longtime member of The Muppets team. He has previously voiced characters such as Big Bird, Robin the Frog and The Count.
