The third season finale of Scandal ended with Papa Pope pointing a gun at Harrison's head. Fans thought it was strange that Harrison's death was not actually shown. A published article mistakenly ran with the assumption that not only was Harrison not dead, but that he was being played by actor Eric West. Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes debunked it.

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After Columbus Short, who played Harrison, faced legal troubles of domestic battery against his wife, he announced his exit from the show Scandal.

"At this time, I must confirm my exit from a show I've called home for three years, with what is the most talented ensemble on television today," Short, 31, said according to The Huffington Post on April 25. "I would like to first thank Shonda Rhimes for the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast."

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But then an article was mistakenly published, saying that Eric West would take over for Short. The report was slammed by ABC and the Scandal empress herself.

"I've never heard of Eric West," Rhimes tweeted. "Harrison is not being recast EVER. How about reporters CHECK THEIR SOURCES before running with a story?" Late, she tweeted, "Um, @Deadline? Handle yourself."

West, who appeared in World War Z, jumped in the fray:

"This is news to me.." he tweeted.

While. West probably wouldn't mind being cast, the article was quickly deleted and explained as a "miscommunication," reported E! Online on May 7.

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Tags: scandal ABC television Columbus Short