Thomas Gibson has broken his silence over what really happened during the on-set argument he had with "Criminal Minds" writer and producer Virgil Williams. The actor stated that after he conveyed his apologies to the said showrunner, he was dismissed from the CBS show.
Gibson's exit from the long-running series "Criminal Minds" came as a surprise to many of the show's avid viewers. The actor played Special Agent Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner since the CBS show premiered in 2005. In mid-August, news of the actor's dismissal from the series became viral following a physical altercation with Williams where Gibson kicked the said producer's leg.
The former cast member recounted the events during the said incident in an interview with People. Gibson and Williams had a tense encounter on July 26 when the two gentlemen failed to agree over a line for a particular scene. The actor became frustrated after the showrunner refused to revise the said dialogue.
Gibson then left Williams and returned to the series' filming set to share the incident with his then fellow cast mates. When the writer and producer arrived on the same filming location, Williams immediately went to the actor. Gibson said, "He came into that room and started coming towards me."
According to the "Dharma and Greg" alum, he "tapped" Williams on the leg with his foot when the producer "brushed past" him. Had the actor failed to execute his foot tapping move, the showrunner would have bumped into Gibson. The two then exchanged a few "choice words" but the actor apologized for his behavior the day after the incident.
Shooting activities for the CBS show proceeded which included the scene that Gibson and Williams previously disagreed on. After the said filming session, the actor went home and it was the last time that he ever set foot on the CBS set.
Gibson now appeared regretful on how the situation transpired and made mention of how a minute could damage his good reputation. However, he remained positive that his loyal fans will remember the great work that he has completed over the years.
The actor mentioned in an earlier statement issued to TV Line that he would have wanted to be a part of "Criminal Minds" until its final season. He then conveyed his appreciation to the CBS show's cast and crew members, as well as thanked the fans for their support.
"Criminal Minds" Season 12 will premiere on Sept. 28 on CBS. Watch a preview for the new season's first episode below: