'Blue Bloods' star Donnie Wahlberg hopes Jennifer Esposito is 'doing good'

The Associated Press, Tuesday, November 20, 2012, 6:40am (PST)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Donnie Wahlberg hopes his "Blue Bloods" co-star Jennifer Esposito is OK, but has no idea when, or if, she's returning to the show.

CBS suspended the actress from the Tom Selleck-starring police drama, claiming she can't fulfill the full-time demands of the show. Esposito fired back on Twitter, accusing the network of "absolutely shameful behavior."

Esposito tweeted that she's been diagnosed with celiac disease and requires a reduced work schedule.

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

The network has said it hopes Esposito will be able to return.

Bing: Supreme Court denies Nicollette Sheridan's appeal

For the time being, her role as Wahlberg's partner is being rotated by new characters played by Megan Ketch and Megan Goode.

When asked about the change, the actor deflected the question.

"Danny Reagan gets around. He likes girls a lot."

Wahlberg made the comments on the red carpet of the International Emmy Awards.

He said of Esposito: "She's a friend and I hope she's doing good. I love working with her, so we'll see what happens."