‘Criminal Minds’ Thomas Gibson Official Exit: Two Sides Of The Story Fans Need To Know

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 has finally given Thomas Gibson's character Aaron Hotchner a flawless exit. Apart from Hotchner's closure, "Criminal Minds" writer Virgil Williams also revealed more details about the altercation that got Gibson fired from the show.

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 latest episode titled "Elliot's Pond" revealed the whereabouts of Hotchner. It was explained that Hotch chose to give up his career in the Behavioral Analysis Unit to protect his son Jack (Cade Owens).

Apparently, Mr. Scratch will not stop hunting his son to exact revenge on Hotch so the former BAU chief decided to enter the Witness Protection program. That said, Agent Emily Prentiss portrayed by Paget Brewster will formally take his place on "Criminal Minds" Season 12.

Meanwhile, in a report from People, "Criminal Minds" writer revealed that a certain line change started a professional disagreement between Gibson and him. "He came to me with a line change that he wanted," Williams said.

"I felt that change would have hurt the story, but I offered him [an alternative] fix. He didn't accept the fix and walked off," the writer continued. However, the heated conversation ended up with Gibson allegedly kicking him in his shin according to Williams.

Williams's version of the story vary a little from Gibson's initial statement about the incident. Gibson told People in an earlier interview that William came towards him in a room and he had to move so William will not run into him. He apparently moved his foot that tapped William's leg.

Gibson had admitted that there was an exchange of words between him and the "Criminal Minds" writer. "We had some choice words, for which I apologized the next day, and that was it. It was over," the actor revealed. "We shot the scene, I went home - and I never got to go back," Gibson said.

Now that the stories have unfolded, the ball is left in the court of all "Criminal Minds" fans who and what to believe. Needless to say, "Criminal Minds" Season 12 will continue with or without Hotch in it, unfortunately. Let us know your thoughts about Gibson's official exit on "Criminal Minds" Season 13 below.