What a Scandal! Columbus Short splits from second wife Tanee McCall-Short after eight years of marriage

By Colette Fahy

Published: 21:17 EST, 12 September 2013 | Updated: 02:05 EST, 13 September 2013

He’s best known for playing one of fixer Olivia Pope’s ‘Gladiators’ on TV show Scandal but it seems as if Columbus Short could use some help to sort out his own personal life. 

The 30-year-old actor’s spouse Tanee McCall-Short filed for divorce in Los Angeles on Wednesday and is seeking sole custody of their 19-month-old daughter Ayala, according to RadarOnline. 

32-year-old dancer Tanee, whose used her real name Tuere for the court filing, is asking for spousal support and also wants Columbus to pay all of her legal fees.

Scandalous: Short has been arrested for violent attacks three times in the last two months - including twice with his estranged wife Tanee McCall-Short

Sad split: Scandal star Columbus Short's wife Tanee McCall-Short filed for divorce in Los Angeles on Wednesday and is seeking sole custody of their 19-month-old daughter Ayala

The couple married in 2005 and Tanee has cited the date of separation as September 9, 2013. 

This will be Columbus’ second divorce. The former dancer claimed he had a brief fling with Britney

Spears in 2003 when he worked as her back-up dancer, which led to the demise of his first marriage to Brandi Short, who was eight months pregnant at the time.

Man of many talents: Columbus was a backing dancer for Britney Spears 10 years ago and has since gone on to find worldwide fame in TV show Scandal

Man of many talents: Columbus was a backing dancer for Britney Spears 10 years ago and has since gone on to find worldwide fame in TV show Scandal

Speaking about their relationship in 2004, he told Star magazine, 'It's true I slept with Britney, [but] we never had sex because another person was in the room at the time.

‘We shared a bed and were really close,kissing and hugging. The chemistry was magical... our feelings were so strong. 

‘Britney's mom, Lynne, stepped in to prevent that as soon as our feelings started to develop.

‘It would be fair to say Britney caused major problems in our marriage. Sadly, we're now getting divorced.

Gladiators in suits: Columbus is best known for his portrayal of Harrison Wright in Shonda Rimes' political drama Scandal, (picture here with Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope)

Gladiators in suits: These days Columbus is best known for his portrayal of Harrison Wright in Shonda Rimes' political drama Scandal, (picture here with Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope)

'Despite everything that happened, I'll always remember those special moments with Britney.’

Short – whose son with Brandi is now nine - previously admitted he was uncomfortable with the idea of being a ‘role-model’ but said having kids made him want to be more responsible.

He told BET.com, ‘It’s a daunting burden I did not want to carry. I didn’t want to be accountable to people that might look up to me. But now, having a son and a daughter, I feel a responsibility to younger people, especially our people. Being an example at home first is important. Then going outward into the community.’

These days Columbus is best known for playing Harrison Wright, Olivia Pope’s right-hand man on Shonda Rhimes’ political drama Scandal.

'I'll always remember those special moments with Britney': After Spears' mother Lynne ended their relationship, Short split with his wife, who was eight months pregnant at the time

Scandal: Columbus has previously opened up about his close relationship with Britney Spears, which caused the breakdown of his first marriage






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