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Columbus Short Not Returning to Scandal For Season 4, Releases Statement

Columbus Short
Columbus Short will not return for Scandal season 4.

It looks like Papa Pope actually did take out Harrison Wright in the season 3 finale of Scandal. ABC star Columbus Short will not be returning to the hit drama for season 4. 

Short, 31, released a statement to Us Weekly about his decision to exit the White House-based series. 

Related: PHOTOS: Olivia Pope's best looks

“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," Short says in his statement. "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.”

Related: PHOTOS: Get the Scandal style for less

After Henry Ian Cusick (who played Pope and Associates' Stephen Finch) exited the show in season 1, Harrison became a right-hand man to Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), helping run her business while she was "fixing" some of the White House's biggest problems. 

Despite his dangerous dalliance with terrorist Adnan Salif, his character seemed to be in good standing until he crossed paths with Olivia's father Rowan Pope in the April 17 finale, but off-screen, Short's antics were cause for concern. 

Related: PHOTOS: Stars who have been fired from their jobs

In late March, the actor was arrested on a felony battery charge after a restaurant brawl. The charge could result in up to four years in prison if convicted. And on Valentine's Day Short was charged with misdemeanor spousal battery and ordered to stay away from wife Tuere Short. They are currently in the middle of a heated divorce.

Tell Us: Will you miss Harrison on Scandal?

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