Criminal MindsstarThomas Gibson, who has been with the show for all 11 seasons since it debuted in 2005, has been fired from the series. The actor was involved in anon-setphysical altercation with a writer-producer on the show, who has been identified by various outlets asVirgil Williams. The actor reportedly kicked the writer producer after an argument. Here’s a statement released by the show’s producers, ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios.
“Thomas Gibsonhas been dismissed fromCriminal Minds.Creative detailsfor how the character’s exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date.”
Peoplereports that the incident took place two weeks ago, during an episode thatThomas Gibsonwas also directing. The actor was initially just suspended after thealtercation, where he kicked the writer-producer in the shin. Here’s what the actor had to say in a statement about his dismissal.
“I loveCriminal Mindsand have put my heart and soul into it for the last 12 years. I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that won’t be possible now. I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew, and most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have.”
A source from the set revealed thatThomas Gibsonkicked the writer-producer in the shin, “almost out of instinct.” The writer-producer reportedly “seemed all right” at the time, but it became a much bigger issue when his team found out about the incident. Other reports reveal that the actor will appear in the first two episodes of Season 12, but he won’t return for any further filming, which will give the show’s writers and producers a greater challenge to write off a character who has been on the show since the first episode. Here’s whatThomas Gibsonhad to say in another statement about the incident.
“There werecreative differenceson the set and a disagreement. I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and we always will.”
The actor was also allegedly involved in aphysical confrontationon theCriminal Mindsset back in 2010 with an assistant director, which lead the network to sendThomas Gibsonto anger management classes. Aside from this 11-year stint onCriminal Mindsas Aaron Hotchner,Thomas Gibsonis also well-known for playing Greg in the hit sitcomDharma & Greg, alongsideJenna Elfman. He also starred as Dr. Daniel Nyland on the hit drama seriesChicago Hope. Stay tuned for more updates onThomas Gibson’s exit fromCriminal Minds.
