Columbus Short fired from 'Scandal' after battery charges

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OPA is down a gladiator.

Columbus Short is not returning to ABC’s Scandal when it returns for its fourth season in the fall, E! News has confirmed. Short’s exit from the series comes after he was arrested and charged with battery after an alleged bar fight in March. ABC had no comment on Short’s exit from the series.

“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 said in a statement released by his publicist. “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.”

SCOOP: Get dish on season four straight from Shonda Rhimes

A source who works on the show tells us it was not Short’s decision to leave and that the choice was made for “creative purposes.” It’s still unclear as to whether ot now we will see Short’s character Harrison at all in the new season. (ABC has yet to officially pick Scandal up for a fourth season.)

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