CRIMINAL MINDS' Thomas Gibson Fired Following On-Set Altercation; Actor Responds

Thomas Gibson, who has starred in the role of Aaron Hotchner on CRIMINAL MINDS for the past 12 seasons, has been fired from the CBS drama following an on-set altercation with a producer.

A statement released today by ABC Studios and CBS TV Studios reads: "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."

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE following news of his dismissal, Gibson said: "I love Criminal Minds and have put my heart and soul into it for the last twelve 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."

About the show: CRIMINAL MINDS revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. The Behavioral Analysis Unit's most experienced agent is David Rossi, a founding member of the BAU, who is essential in helping the team solve new cases. The BAU team is lead by Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, a strong profiler who is able to gain people's trust and unlock their secrets. Other members include Special Agent Dr. Spencer Reid, a classically misunderstood genius whose social IQ is as low as his intellectual IQ is high; Jennifer "J.J." Jareau, the team's former unit liaison-turned-profiler who juggles motherhood and marriage with the same skill as solving cases; Penelope Garcia, the team's indispensible computer wizard who helps research the cases with her unique charm; Dr. Tara Lewis, a forensic psychologist whose expertise is studying and interviewing serial killers after they're captured to determine if they are able to stand trial; and Luke Alvez, a former Army ranger and excellent tracker recruited to the BAU from the FBI's Fugitive Task Force. As the team evolves together, the BAU continues its dedication to using their expertise to pinpoint predators' motivations and identify their emotional triggers in the attempt to stop them.

Source: Variety

Photo courtesy of CBS

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