UPDATE: Thomas Gibson has been fired from Criminal Minds. The producers of the series revealed Friday that the actor was dismissed from the CBS show.
“Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds,” said the statement from ABC Studios and CBS Studios. “Creative details for how the character’s exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date.”
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Thomas Gibson, the former Dharma & Greg actor who plays Aaron Hotchner on Criminal Minds, has been suspended from the show after he allegedly kicked a writer in the leg.
Gibson, 54, was temporarily removed from the set after he and the writer, Virgil Williams, had a disagreement a few weeks ago.
READ MORE: Shemar Moore leaving Criminal Minds after 11 seasons
“There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement,” Gibson said in a statement. “I regret that it occurred.”
“We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible,” he continued. “We always have and we always will.”
This is the second time Gibson has had a physical altercation with a colleague on Criminal Minds. In 2010, he allegedly pushed an assistant director and was ordered to take anger management classes.
Some outlets are reporting that Gibson may face the axe for his behaviour, and there is a remote possibility that his character could be written off altogether.
READ MORE: Actor Michael Weatherly leaving NCIS after 13 seasons
Witnesses on-set have said Williams escalated the fight with Gibson by raising his voice, and then allegedly “made a move” towards Gibson. The actor then kicked as a “reaction” and “reflex” to Williams’ movements.