Former ‘Scandal’ Star Columbus Short to Stand Trial for Felony Battery

Former “Scandal” star Columbus Short was ordered Tuesday to stand trial on a felony battery charge stemming from a March brawl in the parking lot of a Los Angeles bar.

The 32-year-old actor is accused of punching Fenton Hyche on March 15.  Hyche suffered a concussion and a fractured eye socket, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. If convicted, Short faces up to four years in prison.

The evidence presented during Tuesday’s preliminary hearing was enough for Superior Court Commissioner Mark Zuckman to rule in favor of proceeding with a trial, even though Short’s attorney, Michael M. Levin, argued that his client was acting in self-defense.

An arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 6 at the Airport Branch Courthouse in Los Angeles.

This wasn’t Short’s first run-in with the law. In April, he left Shonda Rhimes‘ hit ABC show “Scandal” after being charged in a separate domestic violence case.

“At this time I must confirm my exit from a show I’ve called home for 3 years, with what is the most talented ensemble on television today,” Short wrote in an April 25 statement following his “Scandal” departure. “I would like to first thank Shonda Rhimes for the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast. Thank you GLADIATORS, who have supported me throughout my entire career and of course to ABC and Shondaland for allowing me to play such a pivotal role in the ‘Scandal’ series. I have enjoyed every single minute of it.”

A bench warrant was also issued for Short’s arrest in October, following his failure to appear in court on charges related to the alleged March brawl.

Short’s attorney, Michael Levin, said at the time that the actor missed his court appointment because he was stranded in Atlanta.

City News Service contributed to this report.