Blue Bloods: Jennifer Esposito blasts CBS for temporary departure from show

Blue Bloods actress Jennifer Esposito has fired back at CBS for sidelining her from the police drama.

Esposito portrays Detective Jackie Curatola – Danny Reagan’s (Donnie Wahlberg) partner – on the show, however due to illness she has had to reduce her hours.  According to the actress CBS have not supported her situation, resulting in the 39-year-old blasting producers via her Twitter account.

“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,” the actress posted on Twitter. “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 behaviour.”

CBS told Deadline in a statement: “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.”

While Esposito has filmed her last episode for the time being, which will be aired on Friday, 2 November (in US) CBS stated that it hopes “that she will be able to return at some point in the future”.

The network has cast guest stars to play Reagan’s temporary partner, including Megan Ketch.