Criminal Minds' Thomas Gibson Suspended for Kicking a Writer

“There were creative differences on the set," the actor tells E! News

Thomas Gibson is spending some time away from the Criminal Minds set after taking physical action against a show writer. 

TMZ reports the actor kicked the writer in the leg while directing and filming a scene for the CBS crime drama. Gibson was subsequently suspended for an undetermined amount of time, though according to the outlet, he hasn't been present on set for two weeks. 

In a statement from Gibson, he tells E! News, "There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement. I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and we always will."

Additionally, a source tells E! News, "Thomas is the most kindhearted family man. He's a great father, takes care of his mom and spends as much time with his kids as possible. He flies home every weekend to San Antonio to be with his kids after working 12-15 hour days during the week. I hate that this minor disagreement is what people are hearing about him." 

According to Deadline, Gibson is suspended for at least one and likely two episodes of Season 12 and will also forego his directorial efforts on the show. A source tells Deadline this isn't the first physical altercation the star has been embroiled in, claiming Gibson allegedly pushed a Criminal Minds producer and had to enroll in anger management classes.

Thomas has been a longstanding member of the Criminal Minds cast, starring as Supervisory Special Agent Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner in the series since its debut in 2005. He has since taken his talents behind the camera, sitting in the director's chair throughout multiple episodes of the series' eighth through eleventh seasons.