Jennifer Esposito of "Blue Bloods" accuses CBS of "shameful behavior"

Donnie Wahlberg and Jennifer Esposito are shown in a scene from "Blue Bloods." / CBS

"Blue Bloods" actress Jennifer Esposito is blasting CBS for sidelining her from the police drama.

In Twitter postings, she accused the network of "absolutely shameful behavior" in putting her on unpaid leave.

On Saturday, CBS TV Studios released a statement to Deadline, saying, "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."

Esposito fired back on Twitter, saying 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 knows PUT me on unpaid leave an has blocked me from working anywhere else after my doc said u needed a reduced schedule due to celiac

-- Jennifer Esposito (@JennifersWayJE) October 21, 2012

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

-- Jennifer Esposito (@JennifersWayJE) October 21, 2012

Implied that I was NOT truly ill and this was a scheme to get a raise! It's been almost two months without brining me back to work + keeping

-- Jennifer Esposito (@JennifersWayJE) October 21, 2012

Me from working anywhere else! So no that article is not telling you the truth. Absolutely shameful behavior

-- Jennifer Esposito (@JennifersWayJE) October 21, 2012

A representative for CBS Television Studios declined to comment on Esposito's tweets.

The actress' last appearance for now as Detective Jackie Curatola airs on Nov. 2. The network says it hopes Esposito will be able to return. For now, Deadline added, the show will bring in guest stars to serve as Danny Reagan's (Donnie Wahlberg) temporary partner -- the first will be  Megan Ketch, who will reportedly appear in four episodes.

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

[manwcp]

Americans with Disabilities Act, Demands reasonable accomidationis.Get a lawer! I don't understand why you're letting them rollover you, like this. I'm54 we didn't fight for 30yrs.To let this happen to talented people like you. Have you given up?
Anthony G. Williams

[corylou28]

I Cannot believe She wont be on the show. Her And Donnie have the best chemistry for partners. CBS needs to rethink what they are doing. The episode I juist watched with the "partner" was a huge disapointmant to Jack and Danny. Please bring her back!!!!

[ginaesp]

I agree, I haven't seen a whole episode since Jackie was taken out. The show is definitely not the same. Donnie and Jackie have great chemistry and CBS should be ashamed of themselves. They will be sorry because they are getting bad rep against people with disabilities. Shame on you CBS!!!

[Jamesusan]

My husband and I watch "Blue Bloods" faithfully. I would hope that CBS would do all they could to support Jennifer Espinoza during her illness. We think she is a very important part of the show and we will miss her. We hope she will be back on the show soon.

[lynnie39]

Love how Jennifer Esposito interacts with Donnie Wahlberg. Should work something out with her because she is one of the big reasons that I watch this show.

Very talented lady and have followed her career for years.

[lynnie39]

Love how Jennifer Esposito interacts with Donnie Wahlberg. Really should work something out with her because she is one of the big reasons that I watch this show.

Very talented lady and have followed her career for years.

[SUZAMBA]

I love her in the show "Blue Bloods". I hope they can work with her and figure something out.
My sister-in-law has the same issues, but she's hasn't slowed down. She watches what she eats like a hawk.

[noelanot]

Don't get rid of Jennifer Esposito. You start playing with the cast and the program goes into the dump. It's a great show the way it is....just use her more of a part time character.

[hypnotoad72]

If she has the documents to prove her ailment, then CBS might be in the wrong. Papers, please.

If she's faking it, then that'll be revealed as well.

All I know is, she was funny in "Spin City".