Jennifer Esposito blue bloods celiac shameful

Jennifer Esposito, who plays Detective Jackie Curatola on CBS’s hit show Blue Bloods, is leaving the series – at least temporarily. But why? According to a statement from CBS, Esposito has informed them that she is only available to work on a limited part-time schedule for the time being. “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,” the statement went on.

Now there is no definite word as to why Esposito has chosen to work for a limited time, but the actress has been public about her Celiac Disease. Her final episode will air Nov. 2 and her role as Danny Reagan’s partner (played by Donnie Wahlberg) will be filled with guest actresses throughout the season, starting with Megan Ketch who will be introduced in Esposito’s last episode.
The door is left open for Esposito to return, as CBS touts her talent in their released statement. After Deadline broke the news, Esposito took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the matter, calling CBS out on their shameful behavior in handling her struggles with Celiac. Esposito shared the following thoughts

“CBS PUT me on unpaid leave and has blocked me from working anywhere else after my doctor said you needed a reduced schedule due to Celiac,” she wrote. “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 implied 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 Me from working anywhere else!… Absolutely shameful behavior.”

So who is to blame? Are you sad to see her go? Will she be back? Only time will tell. Blue Bloods airs Fridays at 10pm ET on CBS.