Actor Columbus Short announced on Friday, Apr. 26 that he would not be returning for Season 4 of "Scandal." The news comes after Short was arrested and charged with battery for allegedly beating up a man at an engagement party.
His wife, Tuere Tanee, filed for divorce on Apr. 16 citing irreconcilable differences and asked a judge to grant her a temporary restraining order. Tanee accused Short of attacking her in their home claiming he held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her and then kill himself.
According to E! News, ABC would not comment on Short's exit, but the actor released a personal statement.
"At this time I must confirm my exit from a show I've called home for 3 years, with what is the most talented ensemble on television today. I would like to first thank Shonda Rhimes for the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast," Short's statement read. "Thank you GLADIATORS, who have supported me throughout my entire career and of course to ABC and Shondaland for allowing me to play such a pivotal role in the 'Scandal' series. I have enjoyed every single minute of it. Everything must come to an end and unfortunately the time has come for Harrison Wright to exit the canvas. I wish nothing but the best for Shonda, Kerry and the rest of the cast, who have become like a second family to me in such a short amount of time. For this, I will forever be grateful."
A source close to the show told E! that it wasn't the actor's decision to leave and that the choice was made for "creative purposes." Recently Rhimes appeared on Jimmy Kimmel's late night show but refused to say whether the actor would be back for next season when asked.
It was speculated that Short's time on the ABC show was coming to an end following his recent run-ins. Still "Scandal" fans (aka Gladiators) were stunned and saddened by the news. Many took to Twitter to defend Short while others said they saw his exit coming.
"I'm pissed they probably gon kill Harrison off Scandal," @xoAminata wrote.
"No more Harrison on Scandal. I called that 2 weeks ago with his woman beating, weak minded a**," @ImWonderWren tweeted.
"So no one is actually surprised Harrison got kicked off Scandal right? Ok. Cool," @FemmePolitique posted.
"I really Can't handle Harrison's character being but from scandal," @MISS_AMAZING wrote.
"Can we just talk about how mad I am that Columbus Short (Harrison Wright) isn't returning to Scandal," @kenya_digg commented.
"Not sure what to think of Columbus w/ all his drama. His character Harrison was a real #Gladiator tho felt like there was potential #Scandal," @LesleyPena tweeted.
"In case anyone was wondering... the first episode of next season on Scandal will involve Harrison dying..." @Dr_MedsInCSharp wrote.
Are you going to miss Harrison Wright on "Scandal"?
