Paget Brewster, who plays Emily Prentiss on Paramount+’s “Criminal Minds,” apologized after facing backlash for criticizing a journalist over coverage of the show’s shorter-season format. Her apology followed a since-deleted June 20 post on X and a wave of sup
On June 20, Paget Brewster pushed back publicly against a piece about “Criminal Minds” — and it didn’t land softly.
In a since-deleted post on X. Brewster. who stars as Emily Prentiss on the Paramount+ crime series. slammed a ScreenRant article titled “Paramount+’s Criminal Minds Format Change Finally Backfires.” She called out the author by name and shared a link to the story. Brewster wrote, “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.”.
The attack sparked widespread criticism, including from other entertainment journalists who said the response was improper given that the writer was doing their job. The next day, Brewster issued a public apology.
“Hi guys, I was mean to Shealyn Scott last night and I profoundly regret it,” Brewster wrote on June 21. “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 controversy centered on ScreenRant writer Shealyn Scott. a self-publishing senior writer. and her argument that recent seasons of “Criminal Minds” have felt too short. Scott wrote that the show’s first 13 seasons. aired on CBS. had at least 20 episodes each. while the past several seasons on Paramount+ have only consisted of 10 episodes.
Scott also pointed to how the reduced episode count affects storytelling. writing. “Admittedly. the Paramount+ version of ‘Criminal Minds’ likely wouldn’t need 20 episodes each year. but its narrative demands more room to breathe.” The ScreenRant piece included an official promotional image of Brewster in the show that Paramount released for use in media coverage.
Before Brewster’s apology, several entertainment writers defended Scott. Journalist Christopher Marc called Brewster’s comments “highly unprofessional.” Writer Gerrick Kennedy said it was “horrible to treat a journalist that way. ” adding that Scott is “clearly a fan of the show and wrote thoughtful coverage.”.
Writer Ben Dreyfuss posted that while “we should all protect everyone’s right to make art,” creators still have to accept criticism.
Brewster’s comments also drew attention beyond the immediate exchange, but the facts of the incident remained clear: she targeted a journalist by name, linked to an article criticizing the show’s shift to shorter seasons, and then publicly apologized the following day.
Her career continues to be tied closely to “Criminal Minds.” She has played Emily Prentiss since the second season in 2006. The series moved from CBS to Paramount+ in 2022, and its 19th season returned May 28, running through July. The show has already been renewed for Season 20.
Outside of “Criminal Minds,” Brewster is also known for roles on “Community” and “Friends.”
Paget Brewster Criminal Minds Paramount+ ScreenRant Shealyn Scott X apology Emily Prentiss TV news entertainment journalism
Wait so she apologized… but the journalist still wrong for saying 10 episodes? I’m confused.
Not gonna lie, lashing out at someone by name is never it. But ScreenRant titles are always clickbait so she was probably mad and just went off. Still, calling out jobs and all that was way too far.
I feel like she only apologized because people noticed her. Like if nobody cared, she wouldn’t have said anything. Also “shorter season format” sounds like the network’s decision, not that one writer’s fault… right?
She said “bad pics and bad reviews can lead to 350 people losing their jobs” like… does that mean the journalist personally caused layoffs? Kinda sounds like her math is off. And I thought Criminal Minds was ending or something? Idk. Anyway, journalism is job too, but it’s also crazy to act like actors don’t get mad at articles.