Eric West not replacing Columbus Short as Harrison Wright in Scandal Season 4

Olivia Pope and Associates will be down one member when Scandal returns for Season 4, as actor Columbus Short, who has played Harrison Wright on the show for three seasons, announced amid recent legal issues that he would not return to the show. But the creator of the series, Shonda Rhimes, squashed any rumors of another actor stepping into Harrison's shoes.

Deadline posted an article Wednesday claiming that actor Eric West would replace Short on the show. ABC quickly denounced the rumor, and Rhimes posted the following on Twitter to further crush the idea:

"I've never heard of Eric West. Harrison is not being recast EVER. How about reporters CHECK THEIR SOURCES before running with a story?"

She added:

"Um, Deadline? Handle yourself."

West himself also chimed in with "this is news to me."

Deadline removed the original article and updated it with a correction.

"Sorry, Scandal fans. In the rush of upfront news, a release purported to be from ABC about an actor named Eric West, whose name had been circulated for weeks, replacing troubled Scandal co-star Columbus Short got to me. It turns out it was an elaborate hoax, which is very unfortunate." 

In case you missed it, here's Short's statement about leaving the hit ABC show:

"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. 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."

Did you think West would join the show? Would you like to see Harrison recast? Let us know in the comments below.