Actor Columbus Short has pleaded not guilty to felony battery charges for a fight earlier this year that left one man seriously injured.
Us Weekly reported that the 31-year-old former "Scandal" star appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Thursday for a brief arraignment. Short has been accused of punching a man during a disagreement, while attending an event at a West Los Angeles restaurant on March 15.
The incident reportedly left the victim unconscious and with a broken nose. Short is scheduled to return to court on June 5, for a preliminary hearing.
Short also faces a misdemeanor spousal battery case for allegedly threatening to kill his second wife, Tanee McCall, who reportedly filed a temporary restraining order against him. According to TMZ, McCall claimed that Short yelled at her abusively and held a knife close to her throat during an argument in which he threatened to kill her and himself.
She filed for divorce shortly after the incident. A hearing on the restraining order is scheduled for May 21. The actor's attorney Jeff Jacquet has said that his client will be contesting his ex's claims.
Amid his legal troubles, Short confirmed his exit from "Scandal" in April. The actor released a personal statement explaining his departure from the show.
"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, according to E! News. "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."
