Criminal Minds' Thomas Gibson Suspended After Kicking a Producer

Thomas Gibson, who plays Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner on Criminal Minds, has been suspended for two episodes this season after kicking a producer-writer in the leg during an argument.

"There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement. I regret that it occurred," Gibson said in a statement. "We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and always will."

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In addition to missing two episodes, Gibson is under review by CBS and ABC Studios' human resources departments, but sources tell TVGuide.com he is expected to return for the rest of the season. He is under contract through the upcoming Season 12.

Gibson was directing the episode during which the altercation occurred and was also subsequently removed as director. The actor, who has helmed six episodes of the series, is not currently scheduled to direct any future episodes this season. According to insiders, tempers escalated during a disagreement between Gibson and the producer-writer, and Gibson reacted defensively.
"Thomas is the most kindhearted family man," a source said. "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-to-15-hour days during the week. I hate that this minor disagreement is what people are hearing about him."

This is not the first time Gibson has gotten into a physical altercation on the Criminal Minds set. According to TMZ, a few years ago he pushed another producer and had to attend anger management classes, though he was not suspended. In 2013, Gibson was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

CBS and ABC Studios had no comment.
Criminal Minds kicks off Season 12 on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 9/8c on CBS.

(Full disclosure: TVGuide.com is owned by CBS.)