There's a whole lot of buzz surrounding CBS' crime drama "Criminal Minds," as Thomas Gibson reportedly kicked a co-executive producer in the shin. The actor, who plays Aaron Hotchner in the long-running series, was quick to issue a statement that said he was regretful about what happened, and that it was caused by "creative differences" on set. It still didn't mean he had to hurt the victim, who was said to be Virgil Williams.
According to Deadline, the actor was immediately suspended following the incident. This is not the first time Gibson has hurt somebody connected to the series. He also reportedly pushed assistant director Ian Woolf some years ago, and was forced to attend anger management classes.
Things seem to have escalated quickly, as NBC News reports that CBS and ABC have fired Gibson from "Criminal Minds." The actor has been "dismissed" from the show, as per ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios statement yesterday.
CBS' "Criminal Minds" season 12 returns to television next month, so the producers are most likely in a rush to find a way to have his character exit the show without him having to be there. According to the statement, "Creative details for how the character's exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date." That later date would probably in the coming weeks, seeing a September 28 premiere for the upcoming season.
Whether or not CBS will decide to reshoot or delay the premiere of "Criminal Minds" season 12 remains to be seen, as the production has only a little over a month to work out Gibson's dismissal from the show. This is not the first time a major character and an original cast member has left the show, as back in 2007, Mandy Patinkin also left the show due to "creative differences." E! News reported that it seemed as a sour split, as then showrunner Ed Bernero wrote on a fan site that everyone involved in the show did their best to "give him anything he wanted."
"Criminal Minds" season 12 returns to CBS on September 28. Stay tuned to Game & Guide for more updates on "Criminal Minds" season 12.
