Actor Thomas Gibson expresses regret over ‘Criminal Minds’ incident

Thomas Gibson, one of the stars of CBS’ “Criminal Minds,” has expressed regret over a behind-the-scenes dispute that turned ugly on the long-running law-enforcement series.

Gibson recently was directing an episode of the popular drama series when the incident occurred with one of the writers.

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

A spokesman for CBS declined to comment. A spokeswoman for ABC Studios, which has a hand in producing the series, didn’t reply to a request for comment.

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The nature of the altercation remains unclear. On Thursday, Deadline cited an unattributed source saying the incident involved Gibson kicking the writer, identified in the report as Virgil Williams, who also has served as a co-executive producer on the series.

Williams has worked on “Criminal Minds” since 2011 and has penned numerous episodes. In a 2014 interview, Williams said he is a boxing fan. “Some of my best ‘Criminal Minds’ episodes were written just by letting my hands go,” he said.

Deadline said that Gibson has been suspended for “at least one and likely two episodes,” and that the actor’s future status on the show is under review, but the publication didn’t cite a source.

Gibson stars as FBI Agent Aaron Hotchner in the series, which will begin its 12th season this fall.

He previously starred in the hospital drama series “Chicago Hope” and the sitcom “Dharma & Greg.”

david.ng@latimes.com

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