Ex-'Scandal' actor Columbus Short faces lawsuit after restaurant fight

Columbus Short, who played Harrison Wright on ABC's Scandal for its first three seasons, was sued on Monday by Felton Hyche III—the man he allegedly assaulted outside of a restaurant on March 15—for battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.

According to the seven-page complaint filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, Hyche alleges that the former Scandal star attacked him outside of Gabe's Bar and Grill in California. The two men were at a bar to celebrate Hyche's sister's engagement.

Hyche claims that the 31-year-old actor attacked him following an argument that took place outside of the restaurant. Short's "unwarranted and cowardly 'sucker punch,'" as the suit describes it, allegedly knocked Hyche unconscious and caused him to fall to the ground and hit his head on the concrete. According to the suit, Short fled the scene before Hyche was rushed to the hospital. Hyche claims he suffered a major fracture to his cheek and orbital bones.

Hyche also claims that he continues to endure "ridicule from strangers as the man who was knocked out by Columbus Short," and thus is seeking punitive and exemplary damages in the amount of $1 million for both the battery charge and the infliction of emotional distress.

On May 15, Short appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to felony battery charges. If convicted, Short faces up to four years in jail.

Short is currently also dealing with a misdemeanor spousal battery case for allegedly threatening to kill his wife, who filed for divorce and a restraining order following the incident.

In April, Short confirmed that he will not be returning four Scandal's fourth season.