Fans and Stars Support Criminal Minds Actresses

Deadline.com says the reported CBS decision to drop Criminal Minds actress A.J. Cook and reduce the number of episodes for co-star Paget Brewster has fans and stars up-in-arms tweeting and signing an online petition.  Close to 17 thousand people have now signed the petition to convince CBS to keep Cook and Brewster on the show.  Deadline.com says fans are also e-mailing CBS executives.

Earlier this week, Deadline.com quoted sources close to CBS as saying Cook, who plays FBI Special Agent Jennifer “J.J." Jareau, was not being brought back next season for creative reasons because the network wanted to “refresh” the veteran crime series.  The source said CBS was also reducing the number of episodes in which Brewster, who plays Emily Prentiss, would appear.

Brewster tweeted her response, saying “’Creative reasons’ has been an executive bull*** excuse for decades.  It IS financial.  A.J. is a dreamboat.  And yes, I am hurt too.”  Criminal Minds star Thomas Gibson also tweeted his reaction to the cast cuts stating, “To say we’re all mystified and disappointed is an understatement...”

Cook tweeted a thank you Wednesday, June 16th, saying “Your kind words and support have made me feel wanted and loved.”

Image courtesy of Michael Tran / FilmMagic

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