Scandal Season 4 Spoilers: Columbus Short not returning as Harrison

Olivia Pope and Associates will be down one member when Scandal returns for Season 4. Actor Columbus Short, who has played Harrison Wright on the show for three seasons, announced Friday that he would not be returning to the Shonda Rhimes drama next year.

Short released the following statement (via TVLine):

"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 [creator] Shonda Rhimes for the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast. 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."

Short has been at the center of negative press for quite a few weeks, as his wife, Tanee Short, got a restraining order against him and has filed for divorce and sole custody of their two-year-old daughter after she claimed Short threatened a murder/suicide and held a knife to her throat.

What do you think of this news, and of the stories surrounding Short in the past few weeks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.