Update: 3:08 p.m. PST
Both ABC and Shonda Rhimes have said Deadline's story is false. Deadline has also retracted the report.
Their update reads: Sorry, "Scandal" fans. In the rush of upfront news, a release pertaining to be from ABC about an actor named Eric West, who had been circulated for weeks, replacing troubled Scandal co-star Columbus Short got to me. It turns out it was an elaborate hoax, which is very unfortunate. It is unclear yet whether Short would be replaced.
I've never heard of Eric West. Harrison is not being recast EVER. How about reporters CHECK THEIR SOURCES before running with a story?
Eric West also chimed in.
this is news to me..
This post originally reported Deadline's story, which has since been retracted.