Jennifer Esposito "Blue Bloods" Celiac Leave: "Shameful Behavior" by CBS, Says Actress
Actress Jennifer Esposito is taking a stance against CBS for what she calls "absolutely shameful behavior."
The network had announced Esposito's leave of absence from the cop drama "Blue Bloods" following her request to a "reduced" work schedule due to her illness.
Esposito blasted the network on Twitter after the show's executives sent the following statement to The Hollywood Reporter :
"Jennifer has informed us that she is only available to work on a very limited part-time schedule. 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."
Esposito, 39, revealed on Twitter that CBS has placed her on unpaid leave and will not allow her to work anywhere else; her doctor requested that she works a reduced schedule on the show because of her struggle with Celiac disease.
"CBS knows [they] PUT me on unpaid leave and has blocked me from working anywhere else after my doc said u needed a reduced schedule due to celiac," she tweeted on Oct.20. "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."
After receiving a flood of messages of support on Twitter from her fans, Esposito sent a followup tweet on Sunday, Oct. 21 sharing appreciation for her support: "Brought tears to my eyes. Truly. A very sad day when you can be bullied at my age with a disease."
Esposito suffers from Celiac disease, a disorder in the intestines caused by wheat proteins. People with the disease usually transition to a gluten-free diet. Esposito has started a non-profit that brings awareness to the disorder, the Jennifer's Way Foundation for Celiac Education, and she often shares gluten-free recipes with her fans on Twitter.
Esposito has played Detective Jackie Curatola on CBS' cop drama "Blue Bloods" since 2010. Previously, she has appeared on other hit TV shows including "Samantha Who" with Christina Applegate and the firefighters' drama "Rescue Me" with Deenis Leary.
"Blue Bloods" will feature several guest stars to fill in as a temporary cop to her onscreen partner, Danny Reagan played by Donnie Wahlberg. The show is headlined by Tom Selleck.
According to CBS, the Nov. 2 episode will mark Esposito's last appearance on the show for now.
