'Scandal' Season 4 Spoilers: Harrison Not Being Recast

By Sami K. Martin, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, May 08, 2014

"Scandal" creator Shonda Rhimes has spoken and denied a claim that former cast member Columbus Short's character, Harrison Wright, would be recast. Rhimes confirmed that Short would not be replaced by Eric West when the new season airs.

"I've never heard of Eric West," Rhimes tweeted on Wednesday. "Harrison is not being recast EVER. How about reporters CHECK THEIR SOURCES before running with a story? Um, @Deadline? Handle yourself."

The website, Deadline, claimed to have proof that West would be replacing Short on the upcoming season. It has since posted an update to the story.

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"Sorry, 'Scandal' fans," the website wrote. "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."

Short has had legal trouble recently; he was arrested for felony battery and has been accused of abuse by his estranged wife. He confirmed his exit from the show in a statement last month.

"I have enjoyed every single minute of it," Short told Us Weekly. "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."

The season finale of "Scandal" featured Short's character, Wright, confronting another powerful man (Olivia Pope's father) about his plans and murderous intentions. He was last seen with a gun to his head, leading fans to wonder whether he will be killed or not. Now, with Wright definitely leaving the series, it's likely that Wright will end up like numerous others-- six feet under.