"Criminal Minds" has been on air for 12 seasons and has gone through a multitude of cast changes. However, it was only in 2016 that its long-time viewers railed against the removal of a key cast member.

A statement from CBS Studios and ABC Studios confirmed that Thomas Gibson, who plays the role of Aaron Hotchner, was "dismissed" from the series. Gibson had been part of the crime drama since its pilot episode in 2005. He was not among the actors who reprised their roles when "Criminal Minds" Season 12 returned to small screens last September.

According to multiple news sources, the former "Criminal Minds" actor had an on-set altercation with writer Virgil Williams. He was suspended and, eventually, fired from the series. "It seems like they are trying to erase me from the show," he told PEOPLE. "That hurts."

This is not the first time that Gibson was in hot water after anger-related issues. According to Cinema Blend, the same thing happened to the actor several years ago when he allegedly pushed a producer. At the time, however, he was not fired, but was only prompted to attend anger management counselling.

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 showrunner Erica Messer has managed to keep mum about the issue. Now, she has decided to speak up about whether Gibson could return to reprise his role as Hotchner. According to what she told TV Guide, Gibson's return will not be in the "immediate future." "If the show goes on 10 more years, who the heck knows?" she added. At the moment, though, she revealed that "there has been no discussion" of Gibson's return.

Messer had "known and loved" Gibson for 12 seasons and she admittedly "really had a hard time" after finding out that he was fired from the show. "I really wanted to be able to send him off in a way that felt believable for that character," she continued.