Jennifer Esposito is taking some time off from her CBS show "Blue Bloods" due to her battle with Celiac Disease, but now the show's producers have written her out of the show and she's not taking this lying down.
Esposito suffers from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed people. Her doctor has told her to cut down on hours and CBS is maintaining that in order to make a smooth transition for the actress' character, they had to cut her out until further notice.
On Saturday, when Deadline first reported the news, CBS was simply stating Esposito's demanded work schedule would clash with what they needed her for.
"Jennifer has informed us that she is only available to work on a very limited part-time schedule," the network says in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
"As a result, she's unable to perform the demands of her role and we regretfully had to put her character on a leave of absence. She is a wonderfully talented actress and we hope that she will be able to return at some point in the future."
On Twitter, Esposito has blasted CBS, accusing the network of placing her on unpaid leave and barring her from working elsewhere after her doctor said she "needed a reduced schedule" because of her condition.
She tweeted: "CBS didn't listen to my doc and I collapsed on set. Which everyone saw! After a week off my doc said I could return to work but CBS ... (i)mplied that I was NOT truly ill and this was a scheme to get a raise! It's been almost two months without (bringing) me back to work + keeping (m)e from working anywhere else! ... Absolutely shameful behavior."
Esposito joined Blue Bloods as Detective Jackie Curatola in 2010 following stints on such TV series as Samantha Who? and Rescue Me.
