Shonda Rhimes is not happy about Deadline publishing a fake story claiming that Columbus Short had been recast on "Scandal." The site reported that a press release from ABC said that Eric West ("World War Z") would play Harrison Wright on the upcoming Season 4 after Short was fired.
Almost immediately after the story was published, Rhimes tweeted that there was no truth to it and advised Deadline to check with their sources first next time, TMZ reports.
"I've never heard of Eric West. Harrison is not being recast EVER. How about reporters CHECK THEIR SOURCES before running with a story? Um, @Deadline? Handle yourself," she tweeted.
West also tweeted about the casting announcement, writing, "This is news to me."
Deadline retracted their original story and blamed the error on a fake press release.
"Sorry, 'Scandal' fans. In the rush of upfront news, a release purported to be from ABC about an actor named Eric West, whose name had been circulated for weeks, replacing troubled 'Scandal' co-star Columbus Short got to me. It turns out it was an elaborate hoax, which is very unfortunate. 'Scandal' creator said on Twitter that she has never heard of West and there are no plans to recast Short," the site wrote.
Last month, Short released a statement confirming that he was leaving the hit ABC show. His departure came after an arrest in March for a felony battery charge and being accused of domestic violence by his estranged wife Tuere Short.
Tuere, who is filing for divorce, made claims that the actor held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her and then kill himself.
"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," he said in the statement. "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."
Should Shonda Rhimes recast Columbus Short on "Scandal"?
