Ashlee Simpson-Wentz is being evicted from Melrose Place.
The singer-actress has been let go from the series, EW.com has confirmed. Along with fellow dismissed castmate Colin Egglesfield, Simpson-Wentz will see her final Melrose Place episode air in January.
Executive producers explain to EW that her unhinged character, Violet, was always intended to have a limited run, as it related to the "Who Killed Sydney" murder mystery that kicked off the the series; its ratings have been lackluster.
Executive producer Todd Slavkin noted to EW.com that Simpson-Wentz and her costar "took it like professionals. When you go into a show you never know what's going to evolve and what the possibilities are . . . it wasn't a complete shock."
When Usmagazine.com spoke to producer Darren Swimmer in August, he praised Simpson-Wentz: "She came on her own merits as an actor; we thought that she was great for the role and she's doing a fantastic job. We really are happy with her."
Swimmer also debunked rumors that Violet's role was reduced due to Simpson-Wentz's poor acting abilities. "We haven't changed any scripts," he said. "That's definitely not true. I really enjoy watching her.
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Update: In a statement, Simpson-Wentz tells Usmagazine.com:
"Having the chance to play Violet on Melrose Place has been a thrill. Although I always knew her story would come to a final, insanely unpredictable end, playing a creepy, unstable character was something I always wanted to do, so I jumped at the chance. Thanks to the CW and the entire cast and crew of Melrose Place for allowing me this opportunity!"
