Thomas Gibson fired from ‘Criminal Minds’

MANILA, Philippines – Thomas Gibson has been fired from Criminal Minds after being suspended for allegedly kicking a writer on set.

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, ABC Studios and CBS Studios said: “Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds. Creative details for how the character’s exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date.”

Thomas has been playing Aaron Hotchner on the series since it began airing in 2005. He also directed 6 episodes in the series.

He told EW: “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.”

News of Thomas leaving the show comes after he was suspended from two episodes of the show after he had a disagreement with one of the show’s writers.

Reports said that Thomas had kicked the writer in retaliation after the writer had gotten aggressive.

Aside from Thomas, original cast member Shemar Moore is also leaving the show for the upcoming season 12. – Rappler.com