Thomas Gibson Says Kick That Got Him Fired From ‘Criminal Minds’ Was A ‘Tap’

Thomas Gibson, the fired star of Criminal Minds, believes that the incident that got him axed was blown out of proportion.

Thomas Gibson On Firing

Gibson and Criminal Minds writer-producer Virgil Williams got into an altercation back in July while filming an episode of the popular CBS drama series. According to Gibson, the two had disagreed about a line.

“We were shooting a scene late one night when I went to Virgil and told him there was a line that I thought contradicted an earlier line,” Gibson told People. “He said, ‘Sorry, it’s necessary, and I absolutely have to have it.’ ”

When Gibson was discussing the matter with some castmates later, he says that Williams was about to run into him.

“He came into that room and started coming towards me. As he brushed past me, my foot came up and tapped him on the leg,” Gibson remembered. “If I hadn’t moved, he would have run into me. We had some choice words, for which I apologized the next day, and that was it. It was over. We shot the scene, I went home – and I never got to go back.”

Gibson, who made a name for himself on Chicago Hope and Dharma & Greg before starting on Criminal Minds in 2005, is incredulous that such an incident could see his fortunates turn so quickly.

“I feel like it took years to make a good reputation and a minute to damage it,” Gibson said. “My pride and reputation are hurt, but in the end I know the good work is what people will remember. I just need more opportunities to do good work and be a good guy.”

When Criminal Minds returns to CBS later this month, Gibson will appear in the first two episodes of the season. What’s next for his character Aaron Hotchner, Gibson isn’t so sure.

“It seems like they’re trying to erase me from the show. That hurts. But I’m using this time to be with my kids, and I look forward to what’s next,” Gibson told People. “Maybe I’ll do a comedy, or a play, or direct, or produce.”

Season 12 of Criminal Minds premieres Sept. 28.