"'Creative Reasons' has been an executive bulls--t excuse for decades. It is financial. AJ is a dreamboat. And yes, I am hurt too,"
said a clearly incensed Paget Brewster on her Twitter page, in the aftermath of the decision by CBS to not renew the contract of
Criminal Minds mainstay AJ Cook.
'Criminal Minds' Cast Shakeup: Cook Out, Brewster Episodes CutBrewster, 41, whose
Minds episode count also suffered a cut, likewise thanked the fans of the show, most of whom have participated in a drastic online campaign to get CBS to reconsider its decision. The
petition list has over 24,000 signatures, a number that is growing exponentially by the minute.
Co-star Thomas Gibson, who plays BAU head Hotch on
Criminal Minds, is also saddened and puzzled by the news. "To say we're all mystified and disappointed is an understatement," he
posted on his Twitter page. "All the fan support is much appreciated! Stay tuned."
Cook, meanwhile,
expressed her gratitude to the fans. "Your kind words and support have made me feel wanted and loved! I love my castmates more then I can say, but they already know that. Thanks!"
CBS denied that financial factors were involved in the decision to cut Cook from the
Minds cast. It said it plans to add a new female character to the CBS series when it returns next season.
(Image courtesy of CBS)