HOLLYWOOD—Thomas Gibson, star of the long-running show “Criminal Minds” was fired on Friday, August 12 after he got into a physical altercation that occurred between him and one of the writers on the set.

Gibson, 54, had reportedly kicked a writer on the set of the show two weeks ago.  He was set to be suspended from the show for two episodes, but the decision to release the star was announced on Friday.

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

This latest incident was the second time Gibson lost his temper. Several years ago, according to reports, he shoved an assistant director and was forced to attend anger management classes.

“Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from ‘Criminal Minds,’ ” said ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios in a joint statement. “Creative details for how the character’s exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date.”

Gibson starred as Aaron Hotchner, an FBI agent in the Behavioral Analysis Unit, and also directed several episodes of the show during his tenure.

After news of his dismissal broke Friday afternoon, Gibson released the following statement: “I love ‘Criminal Minds’ and have put my heart and soul into it for the last twelve years. I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that won’t be possible now. I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew, and, most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have.”