Harrison? Embattled former Scandal star Columbus Short live-tweeted the season four premiere on Thursday, Sept. 25, while hosting a party in Atlanta celebrating the show's return.
In one of the final scenes of season three, Short's character Harrison Wright was held at gunpoint by Olivia Pope's father. It remained unclear whether Harrison survived the run-in, but the season four premiere opened with Olivia (Kerry Washington) learning of his death from a newspaper clipping.
In real life, Short, 32, was charged with misdemeanor spousal battery this past Valentine's Day, and his wife Tuere Short later filed for divorce. (The two are currently embroiled in an ugly legal battle.)
He was arrested one month later on another battery charge after getting into a brawl with a fellow patron in a restaurant. The troubled actor, whose real-life issues led to his dismissal from the series in the off-season, expressed no harsh feelings against showrunners or his former castmates on Thursday evening.
Man @shondarhimes is a monster with her pen. Unbelievable start to the #seasonpremiere of @scandalabc #HardToWatch. #MissingHW
— Columbus Short (@ColumbusShort1) September 26, 2014
He also praised his former costars, Washington, Katie Lowes, Guillermo Diaz, Bellamy Young, and Tony Goldwyn.
Hey @kerrywashington @darbysofficial @KatieQLowes @jscandalp @guillermodiazyo I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!! #Truth #OVERACLIFF
— Columbus Short (@ColumbusShort1) September 26, 2014
Round of applause for a amAzing season premiere of @ScandalABC @tonygoldwyn @BellamyYoung #Salute great work.
— Columbus Short (@ColumbusShort1) September 26, 2014
Short also referred to his domestic abuse case in multiple tweets, including one snap of a wide-mouthed Chris Brown, which he retweeted on his account. "You did it to yourself @ColumbusShort1," the Twitter user wrote.
He then retweeted another fan who chided him and wrote: "Tsk tsk tsk RT @Liberienne: Should've never beat ya wife @ColumbusShort1."
The actor also shared his hopes to rejoin the show.
I mean Harrisons #dead but he aint #DeadDead @scandalabc #Iovinit
— Columbus Short (@ColumbusShort1) September 26, 2014
Real #Gladiators make sure they see a body. #Truth @ScandalABC #Blockhouse
— Columbus Short (@ColumbusShort1) September 26, 2014
Short, in numerous tweets, challenged Rhimes to open the casket to convey that Harrison was really dead.
Open the casket @shondarhimes open the casket!!! @ScandalABC never disappoints. @kerrywashington
— Columbus Short (@ColumbusShort1) September 26, 2014
He also used the opportunity to promote his perfectly-themed new single "Gladiator."
I heard #IWonderWhatColumbusShortisDoing is trending. Well just know Im a #GLADIATOR buy the record on ITUNES at 12pm 2morro #HarrisonLives
— Columbus Short (@ColumbusShort1) September 26, 2014
Short confirmed his exit from the show to Us Weekly in April. 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 told Us in a statement. "I would like to first thank 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."