Ailing 'Blue Bloods' actress calls CBS 'shameful'

AP

NEW YORK (AP) — Blue Bloods cast member Jennifer Esposito is blasting CBS for sidelining her from the show.

In Twitter postings, the actress has accused CBS of "absolutely shameful behavior" in putting her on unpaid leave from the Tom Selleck-starring police drama.

Esposito tweeted that she's been diagnosed with celiac disease and requires a reduced work schedule. She said CBS believes she is angling to win a pay raise.

CBS has responded that because Esposito can't fulfill the full-time demands of her role, it has "regretfully" put her character, Detective Jackie Curatola, on a leave of absence. Her last appearance for now airs Nov. 2. The network says it hopes Esposito will be able to return.

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder caused by foods that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat.