Columbus Short‘s victim will not press charges, so the Gladiator is avoiding a bigger scandal … for now.
Even though the victim suffered serious injuries, he has refused to press charges against Short, citing family ties. (They both were attending an engagement party for a family member.) The victim’s lawyer says he’s been in contact with Short’s management to come to some sort of settlement without involving police. The victim has made it clear to investigators he doesn’t want the case pursued criminally.
If they end up settling, a big payday appears to be on the way for the victim. Short could end up shelling out a boatload in medical expenses. It’s also possible the criminal case could go forward — but it’s very unlikely without the victim’s help.
This news is also a sigh of relief for “Scandal” fans, who were concerned that Shonda Rhimes might dismiss Short following his string of violent incidents.