Columbus Short's "scandal" could be the main reason for the actor's exit from the hit series as the "Scandal" ratings were up despite its cast's controversy.

In a statement released by Colombus Short (who plays Harrison Wright), he confirmed his exit from the show after three years and thanked "Scandal" creator Shonda Rhimes for the opportunity.

"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. Everything must come to an end, and unfortunately the time has come for Harrison Wright to exit the canvas," he wrote, although refraining from mentioning the real-life Columbus Short scandal.

Columbus Short's scandal included the domestic violence and abuse claims filed by his wife. He was also booked several times in 2010 for aggravated battery, Radar Online reported.

Meanwhile, the "Scandal" ratings were huge for the network, with 10.5 million viewers share as well as 3.4 rating for the 18-49 demographic for season three finale, according to E! News.

In contrast, "NCIS" rerun on CBS had 6 million viewers, NBC's "Community with 2.9 million viewers; CBS' "The Crazy Ones" with 5.8 million viewers; while NBC's"Parenthood" season finale had 3.7 million viewers or a 1.3 rating and viewers have a pretty good ideal of how good the "Scandal" ratings were.

During the "Scandal" finale, Olivia Pope, the main character played by Kerry Washington, left D.C. and jetted off into the sunset with Jake (Scott Foley). It's not clear what's next for season four of the series or whether or not Olivia Pope will ever come back at all.

"She did quit her job, you might watch her on the beach somewhere. We'll have to see next season," Shonda Rhimes said when she guested on the Jimmy Kimmel show.