'Criminal Minds' Star Thomas Gibson Fired for Kicking Writer (Update: Actor Responds)
UPDATE BELOW
"Criminal Minds" star Thomas Gibson has been fired from the show after kicking a writer in the leg during an on-set argument. He had previously been suspended for two weeks.
"Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from 'Criminal Minds,'" ABC Studios and CBS Studios said in a statement. "Creative details for how the character's exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date."
Gibson was directing and acting in an episode for the drama's 12th season when he got into a creative argument with Virgil Williams, a writer and co-executive producer.
"There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement," Gibson told TMZ after the altercation. "I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and always will."
Gibson has played fan favorite Aaron Hotchner since "Criminal Minds" premiered in 2005.
Update: Gibson issued a statement to People.
"I love 'Criminal Minds' and 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."
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