Courtesy of Todd Oren/Getty Images for John VarvatosUPDATE: Columbus Short pleaded no contest on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, to punching a man at a West Hollywood restaurant last year, E! News confirms. The 33-year-old actor pleaded to an amended felony count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.
Although he has avoided jail time, Short was sentenced to three years formal probation, 60 days of community service and has also been ordered to attend and complete 26 anger management classes.
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The fight continues for Columbus Short.
The 31-year-old actor pleaded not guilty to felony battery Thursday at a brief hearing in Los Angeles, at which he did appear in person.
He is accused of punching a man and causing serious injury during a confrontation outside of a West Hollywood restaurant on March 15.
The next hearing in the case was set for June 5, during which they'll make plans for a preliminary hearing so that both sides can present more evidence.
Since being charged in the case, Short's wife has filed for divorce and he learned that he would not be continuing on as Gladiator/litigator Harrison Wright on ABC's Scandal.
In addition to wanting a permanent split, Short's second wife, Tanee McCall, also obtained a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband. In court documents she alleged that he had yelled at her abusively, spilled wine on her and held a knife close to her throat during an argument in which he threatened to kill her and himself.
The pair have a 2-year-old daughter together.
Then came the news just days later that Short would not be returning to Scandal after three seasons on the show.
"Everything must come to an end and unfortunately the time has come for Harrison Wright to exit the canvas," read part of a statement he issued at the time. "I wish nothing but the best for [creator Shonda Rhimes], [Kerry Washington] 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."
A hearing on his wife's restraining order is scheduled for May 21. Short's attorney has said that his client will be contesting his ex's claims.
Originally published May 15, 2015, at 3:48 p.m.