‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ Star Paget Brewster Apologizes for Critic Remarks

‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ star Paget Brewster has issued an apology after facing backlash for her comments directed at a television critic who published a mixed review of the Paramount+ series.

The controversy ignited when ScreenRant writer Shealyn Scott shared an article discussing the changes made to ‘Criminal Minds’ since its transition from network television to streaming. While Scott praised some aspects of the revival, she also raised concerns about certain creative decisions.

Brewster, who portrays Emily Prentiss in the long-running franchise, reacted strongly to the review on social media. In a now-deleted post, the actress directly addressed Scott and criticized her work.

“Hello critic Shealynn Scott. You’re young. You don’t know that bad pics and bad reviews can lead to 350 people losing their jobs. Sell vintage. Work at a shelter. Do something better than what you do now. Because right now you suck.”

Her comments quickly drew attention online, sparking criticism from journalists, critics, and fans alike. Many felt that Brewster’s response was inappropriate for targeting a reviewer simply for sharing her opinion about a television series.

Among those who spoke out was The Hollywood Reporter chief film critic David Rooney, who criticized Brewster’s remarks and defended Scott’s review.

“This is a very bad look. An actor on a long-running show attacking a young reviewer who contextualizes her respectful criticisms with obvious knowledge of the material — says way more about u being thin-skinned than it does about her professionalism. ‘Work at a shelter,’ really?!” Rooney wrote.

ScreenRant writer Andy Behbakht also voiced his support for Scott, calling Brewster’s comments inappropriate and asserting that no journalist should face personal attacks for doing their job.

In light of the backlash, Brewster returned to social media the following day with a public apology. The actress acknowledged that her reaction was misguided and expressed regret for her behavior.

“Hi guys, I was mean to Shealyn Scott last night and I profoundly regret it. Shame on me for insulting a human being for doing their job. I’m very sorry, Shealyn. And I’m sorry to those who follow me that you saw me behave like that. Turns out, last night, I sucked.”

The review that ignited the debate focused on the changes ‘Criminal Minds’ underwent after its original run ended on CBS. The series concluded in 2020 before being revived by Paramount+ in 2022 under the new title ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution.’

In her article, Scott noted that the streaming version introduced several successful changes, including a darker tone and increased creative freedom. However, she also pointed out that some adjustments have not benefited the show.

“Plenty of the continuation’s changes have been received warmly, and ‘Criminal Minds’ unquestionably still works as a gripping crime drama, but there are just as many tweaks that feel more like downgrades,” Scott wrote.

One of her primary criticisms was aimed at the shorter episode count. According to Scott, the new 10-episode format does not always allow the series to showcase the strengths that made the original show successful for so many years.

While the disagreement sparked a heated discussion online, Brewster’s apology seems to have helped ease the situation. The incident has also reignited conversations about the relationship between performers and critics, as well as how public figures respond to reviews in the age of social media.

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