More than a month after the shocking news of Thomas Gibson's exit from "Criminal Minds" Season 12, the actor has finally shared his side of the story on the alleged physical altercation with writer-producer Virgil Williams. Gibson, who played Aaron Hotchner on the CBS crime drama series since its pilot season in 2005 was interviewed for the first time after the incident that led to his dismissal.
In the interview with People, the 54-year-old actor narrated that he only "tapped" Williams on the leg and that this small incident while filming the second episode of "Criminal Minds" Season 12 escalated quickly. According to Thomas Gibson, he was shooting a scene one night when he approached Virgil about contradicting lines on the script. "He said, 'Sorry, it's necessary, and I absolutely have to have it'" the actor shared.
Frustrated with the decision, Thomas Gibson went back to the set to share to his "Criminal Minds" Season 12 co-stars what the writer-producer had told him. Williams then "came into that room and started coming towards me. As he brushed past me, my foot came up and tapped him on the leg," the actor continued. "If I hadn't moved, he would have run into me." The former "Dharma & Greg" actor also added that he apologized the next day for the exchange of words they had that night. The scene was shot and it was done but Thomas Gibson never returned because that was when he was suspended for two weeks and then got fired.
Thomas Gibson also expressed his dismay over what happened. "It seems like they're trying to erase me from the show. That hurts," he said. "Criminal Minds" Season 12 will never be the same without the actor playing the iconic leader of the Behavioral Analysis Unit. ABC Studios and CBS have confirmed that Hotchner's exit story will be announced at a later date.
Thomas Gibson will still appear for a couple of episodes, in which it was revealed he will be on a temporary assignment. Since the actor will not be back, fans will just have to find out more about the nature of the task that was assigned to Hotch. "Criminal Minds" Season 12 premieres on Sept. 28, 9 p.m. ET on CBS.
