Columbus Short time on Scandal -'The Fixer'- cut short

Scandal (The Fixer) actor Columbus Short will not be returning to the hit ABC series starring Kerry Washington and created by Shonda Rhimes.

“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 said in the statement released to Us Weekly.

"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.”

This departure comes on the heels of the actor's real life scandal: in March, he was arrested on a felony battery charge after a restaurant brawl, which could result in up to four years in prison if he is convicted.

 And, on Valentine's Day, he was charged with misdemeanor spousal battery and ordered to stay away from his wife Tuere--the two are now in the middle of a divorce.