"Criminal Minds" star Thomas Gibson has been fired from the show, ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios said in a statement Friday. The firing comes days after Gibson was suspended after an reported on-set altercation with a producer during filming.
"Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds," said the statement released to NBC News. "Creative details for how the character's exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date."
Gibson has played investigator Aaron Hotchner on the popular crime drama since its debut in 2005. Gibson kicked a producer in the leg during filming in Los Angeles, Deadline and TMZ reported.
Gibson said in a statement to Variety Thursday that there were "creative differences and a disagreement" and he regretted the incident.
After his firing Friday, Gibson said he wishes he could remain on the show and thanked the shows writers and producers, among others.
"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," Gibson said, following his dismissal from the show Friday.
Gibson has had a long career in acting, most notably starring as Greg in the ABC sitcom "Dharma & Greg" from 1997 to 2002. Criminal Minds is currently filming for its 12th season, which returns on CBS on Sept. 28.
