Columbus Short Reveals He Was Abusing Drugs While Filming 'Scandal'

Last April, ABC confirmed that Columbus Short would not return to "Scandal" for Season 4. He had been charged with misdemeanor spousal battery against his wife, Tuere Short, who filed for divorce soon after. Now, in a new interview with Access Hollywood, Short revealed that he had been abusing drugs -- specifically cocaine -- during that time.

"I had a lot on my plate, and you know, I was using unhealthy ways to kind of self-medicate and deal with a lot of heavy duty stuff in my life," he said in the interview. "I was doing cocaine and drinking a lot."

Short confirmed that his "Scandal" co-stars and showrunner Shonda Rhimes were aware of his activities. "If we're going to be fully transparent, they protected me and they held me down. And that was one of the real reasons -- they just wanted me to get my stuff together. Sometimes the bottom has to be dropped out for you to really get it."

Since getting fired, Short has moved to Atlanta and has been working on an album, though he's live tweeted the show -- including the episode in which the Gladiators mourn his character's death -- and even held a season premiere party for its return in September. "I would love nothing more to go back to 'Scandal,'" he said. "It's my family."

Watch the full interview: