‘Scandal’: Is Larenz Tate Replacing Columbus Short?

After news of Columbus Short’s “Scandal” exit broke, reports suggested actor Larenz Tate would be stepping in.

But are the rumors of a Harrison Wright replacement true? Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush and Kit Hoover caught up with Larenz to find out firsthand.

“The ‘Scandal’ is such a scandal!” Larenz laughed, when asked if he’d be suiting up as a one of Olivia Pope’s gladiators on Friday’s Access Hollywood Live. “The ‘Scandal’ hearsay or rumors started I guess through the gladiator fans. Like, they’re people who love the TV show ‘Scandal’ and thought that I would be a great addition to the show.

“I think it’s an amazing show, but it’s just hearsay,” he added. “Nothing official.”

While that wasn’t a total denial from the actor, Larenz is currently starring in USA Network’s new drama, “Rush.”

If there’s any truth to the “hearsay,” would his contract allow him to appear on both a network show and a cable show simultaneously?

“I think that things are always up for negotiation, you know what I’m saying?” he laughed, when asked if “Rush” would allow him to also appear on “Scandal.” “I’m a businessman. But I like what I’m doing right now.”

The actor also offered well wishes to Columbus, who has had a challenging few months.

“I know Columbus, I’m friends with Columbus, and he’s had a really tough time right now. For me, I just hope the best for him and his family above all,” Larenz said. “The job – that’s great, being on a hot TV show – [but] what’s important is family, and for him to just keep the family together as best as possible.”

“Rush” airs Thursdays at 9/8c on USA.

Erin O’Sullivan

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