"Criminal Minds" has been making headlines lately, with one cast member suspended for allegedly kicking a writer and another for having been swindled of $60,000 by a guest actor.
According to Entertainment Weekly, lead star Thomas Gibson had a disagreement with one of the show's writers over the creative direction of the series. The argument got heated, and Gibson allegedly kicked the person on the shin.
"There were creative differences on the set and a disagreement," Gibson said in a statement, according to EW. "I regret that it occurred. We all want to work together as a team to make the best show possible. We always have and we always will."
Gibson, known for playing the role of Aaron Hotchner in "Criminal Minds," has been with the series since the show started in 2005. Because of the altercation, he has reportedly been suspended and his standing is said to be "under review" by Human Resources. Also, he was supposed to direct an episode for the upcoming 12th season, but that might no longer push through. Deadline added that the suspension is likely for one or two episodes.
Meanwhile, Shemar Moore, who played Derek Morgan from Season 1 to 11 of "Criminal Minds," was swindled of $60,000 by a guest star in the show who he became friends with.
According to NY Daily News, actor Keith Tisdell pleaded no contest to the charges filed against him by Moore. He took funds from Moore's retail business Baby Girl, LLC, which was uncovered by an audit. The company gives part of its earnings to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
"I've done a lot for him because he had me, my friends fooled," Moore said in court, as quoted by the Los Angeles Times. "I'm not here for money. I'm here because he betrayed a friendship. This is not OK. You don't do this to people."
According to the LA Times report, Tisdell agreed to pay Moore a total of $61,084. His attorney paid $5,000 worth of money orders and Tisdell has to pay the remaining amount within three years. The judge reportedly said that if he settles the amount and does not get into any other legal trouble, his conviction might be removed from the records.
