Columbus Short is trying to "handle" his situation. The Scandal alum pleaded not guilty in an arraignment in L.A. on Thursday, May 15, stemming from his arrest back in March, TMZ reports. At the time, the actor was charged with a felony after being accused of severely hurting a restaurant patron on Feb. 15.
Short, 31, was issued a warrant by Claremont police during his arrest, and was released on $50,000 bail. In April, the star's troubles continued when his estranged wife, Tanee Short, filed for a temporary restraining order against him. (On Valentine's Day, Short was charged with misdemeanor spousal battery.)
Short's professional life has also faced some upheaval recently. Last month, he released a statement saying that he would not be returning to the ABC political drama.
"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," he told Us Weekly in a 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," he continued. "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." (On May 7, Deadline reported that actor Eric West would be taking over Short's role as Harrison Wright. Rhimes slammed the rumor, and tweeted: "Harrison is not being recast EVER.")
