Criminal Minds’ actor Thomas Gibson (Aaron Hotchner) has been suspended from CBS’ Criminal Minds after a physical fight with a writer-producer. Along with his suspension, he will no longer direct an episode in the upcoming 12th season. The show remains in production but whether Thomas Gibson returns or not, is “under review”.
EW has confirmed that the actor allegedly kicked one of the writers of the long-running crime drama over a disagreement on the creative direction of the show. Thomas Gibson booted the other man in the shin after the argument escalated.
“There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement”, Gibson said in a statement released to EW. “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 show has taken some hits when fan favorites like Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss) and Mandy Patinkin (Jason Gideon) left the show, and the biggest hit when Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan) left recently.
It was revealed at San Diego’s International Comic-Con that Paget Brewster and Aisha Tyler (Dr. Tara Lewis) were both confirmed to return for multiple episodes in Season 12. More casting news was released yesterday that Aisha Tyler has been promoted to series regular.
It is unclear when or if Thomas Gibson will return to show. He has played a key role, Aaron Hotchner, on the drama since it premiered in 2005. He has even directed six episodes during that time. On-set conflicts and drama are not just public relations nightmares but can sometimes lead to the termination of a well-loved character. Fans of Grey’s Anatomy would be familiar with that when Isaiah Washington was terminated for insulting a co-star with a homophobic slur.
A rep for ABC Studios, which co-produces the crime drama series with CBS Studios, would not comment. Continue to check back often for up-to-date information on this story, as well as news and spoilers!
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