LOS ANGELES — Actor Thomas Gibson has been fired from CBS’s long-running procedural “Criminal Minds,” following an on-set altercation with one of the show’s writers.
“Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds,” ABC Studios, which produces the show, tells CNN in a statement. “Creative details for how the character’s exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date.”
The news comes one day after word that Gibson was suspended two weeks ago was revealed.
Gibson has played Agent Aaron Hotchner on the series for 11 years.
“There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement. I regret that it occurred,” Gibson said in a statement to CNN on Thursday. “We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and we always will.”
The incident that led to Gibson’s suspension while he was directing an episode of the show. He’s previously directed six times on the series.
According to Deadline, who first got wind of Gibson’s sidelining, the actor was reprimanded after kicking one of the show’s writers after the two got into a disagreement over a script. Gibson also had a prior altercation with a “Criminal Minds” assistant director and was counseled for anger management, the publication added.
On Wednesday, CBS touted the additions of Adam Rodriguez and Aisha Tyler to the cast as series regulars during the Television Critics Association press tour.
Gibson was noticeably absent during CBS’s annual fall TV celebration, held that night.
Co-stars Kirsten Vangsness, Paget Brewster, A.J. Cook, Joe Mantegna and Matthew Gray Gubler were all on hand.
“Criminal Minds” returns September 28.
