In a shock move from the set of long-running FBI vs. serial killer show, Criminal Minds, one of the original cast members, Thomas Gibson who portrayed FBI Special Agent Aaron "Never Smile" Hotchner, has been unceremoniously fired, consequences for the plot line be damned.
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A statement released from ABC and CBS Studios to PEOPLE Magazine reads: "Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds," reads a statement released to PEOPLE by ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios. "Creative details for how the character's exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date."
Gibson, too, released a statement to PEOPLE: "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."
This all on the heels of an incident which occurred over two weeks ago, in which creative differences on-set saw Gibson lash out and kick a writer in the shin. He received a (justified) suspension for his actions, but punishments for his behaviour have since escalated, resulting in termination of his role on the show entirely.
Gibson, too, released a statement to PEOPLE: "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."
This all on the heels of an incident which occurred over two weeks ago, in which creative differences on-set saw Gibson lash out and kick a writer in the shin. He received a (justified) suspension for his actions, but punishments for his behaviour have since escalated, resulting in termination of his role on the show entirely.
A show with a predominantly stable core cast - which is practically unheard of over twelve years of episodes, leading one to believe there must be reasonably high job satisfaction on-set, the foundation is beginning to feel a bit shaky. Criminal Minds saw the departure of another original cast member, Shemar Moore (who portrayed much-loved character Derek Morgan) in season 11. Now Gibson, who's next? After eleven seasons - soon to be twelve - is Criminal Minds slowly heading toward its end?
Criminal Minds has spawned two spin-offs over the years. Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (2011), starring Forest Whitaker and Janeane Garofalo wasn't as well received as the original, lasting only a season (and ending on a killer cliff-hanger), whereas current spin-off Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016) has had a little more audience approval and will begin its second season in 2017.
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Gibson's departure from the hit show comes on the heels of the addition of CSI Miami alum Adam Rodriguez to the BAU team, and appointment of Aisha Tyler as series regular.
Season 12 premieres September 28, 2o16.
Season 12 premieres September 28, 2o16.
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