Jennifer Esposito in Blue Bloods 'Shameful' Departure, Says Celiac Caused On Set Collapse (Photo, Video)
Jennifer Esposito's "Blue Bloods" departure has been labeled "shameful" by the actress, who suffers from Celiac disease.
Jennifer has rebuked CBS' description of her departure from the show, saying they have not told the whole version of events.
CBS has stated to The Hollywood Reporter: "Jennifer has informed us that she is only available to work on a very limited part-time schedule.
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"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."
However, the actress has slammed the network's bosses, saying that she was placed on unpaid leave, as well as barred from working elsewhere.
She has also claimed that she was cut after her doctor said she "needed a reduced schedule" because of her condition - Celiac Disease.
The condition that Esposito has is an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine and caused by reaction to wheat proteins.
The condition causes the actress to experience extreme tiredness, and forces her to take on a gluten-free diet.
The actress has already become a prominent figure in making the condition more widely known and trying to raise profile and funding to fight Celiac Disease.
She recently established the Jennifer's Way Foundation for Celiac Education, which has a mission to "elevate this debilitating autoimmune disease into the national spotlight."
The actress recently tweeted to her fans: "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 was one of the stars of Blue Bloods, and played Detective Jackie Curatola. She started in the role in 2010 after other parts in popular TV shows Samantha Who? and Rescue Me.
