Coffee Talk: Columbus Short Arrested on Battery Charge

Here’s why we need a double shot of espresso in our coffee: 

Columbus Short was arrested Wednesday on a charge tied to a bar fight that he was involved in March 15. Police arrested the Scandal star for allegedly committing a battery that caused serious bodily harm. According to law enforcement officials, Short got into an argument with a man at a West Los Angeles restaurant and hit the man, knocking him out. He was released Wednesday on a $50,000 bail. Short faces up to four years in state prison if convicted; there is no court date yet. [HollywoodReporter]

Christina Milian is gearing up for her reality show debut. The singer will let the cameras in for an unscripted series following her as she navigates the next stages of her life. The show will focus on the star’s family, who are very vocal about what her next career and life moves should be. Described as a “fiery family docusoap,” the show is on the slate of E!’s upcoming original programming. [Vibe]

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Peter Thomas is reportedly hoping to land his own spinoff. Sources say that Thomas is upping the drama ante at his upscale Atlanta lounge in hopes of snagging his own show. Eyewitnesses say that Thomas, along with other RHOA co-stars Todd Tucker and Gregg Leakes, were spotted filming the spin-off, although it hasn’t been picked up yet. [RadarOnline]

Solomon Northup’s descendants are fighting plans to build a baseball stadium on the site of the jail where Northup was housed when he was captured. Developers are planning to use the site of Lumpkin’s Jail in Richmond, Virginia as a part of a new baseball stadium complex. Northup’s descendants have launched a petition on change.org calling for the jail site to be preserved. A protest against the stadium plans has been scheduled for April 3. [HollywoodReporter]

Idris Elba teamed up with Samsung to discover the next big talent. The contest that was kicked off on February 3 calls for potential competitors to submit a two-minute film to Facebook that highlights a particular project. Each mentor, including Elba, selected the final four participants who will be featured in a television series on UK TV in spring 2014. Fans can vote for contestants on Facebook, winners will receive personal tuition and Samsung products. [BlackAmericaWeb]