‘Scandal’ Star Columbus Short Slapped With Lawsuit Over Alleged Bar Brawl

Short is accused of knocking a reveler unconscious during an engagement party

ABC/Kelsey McNeal

Former “Scandal” star Columbus Short has been walloped with a lawsuit, after allegedly walloping a fellow partygoer at a Los Angeles bar.

In the suit filed Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Felton Hyche III says that both he and Short attended a party in March at Gabe’s Bar and Grill to celebrate the engagement of Hyche’s sister.

Columbus Short attends a court hearing on May 15, 2014 (Getty Images)
Columbus Short attends a court hearing on May 15, 2014 (Getty Images)

The lawsuit goes on to claim that Short and Hyche got into an argument outside the venue, but Hyche’s father broke things up.

Also read: ‘Scandal’ Star Columbus Short Exiting the ABC Drama Amid Domestic Violence Claim

However, Hyche alleges, after it was made clear that the argument was over, Short sucker-punched him — savagely socking him in the face and knocking him unconscious.

Hyche claims he suffered a “major fracture” to his cheek and orbital bones.

Also read: ‘Scandal’ Star Columbus Short Arrested for Felony Battery

Moreover, he claims, publicity of the confrontation has caused him “extreme embarrassment,” as that he’s had to endure “ridicule from strangers as the man who was knocked out by Columbus Short.”

Hyche alleges battery, intentional interference of emotional distress and negligence, and is seeking exemplary and punitive damages of $1 million in the first two counts, plus other damages.

Short was arrested after the incident and pleaded not guilty to felony battery charges on May 15 in Los Angeles Superior Court. The actor also recently pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor spousal battery. He exited the ABC drama “Scandal” in April amid his legal woes.

Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.

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