Full Breakdown
Paget Brewster Apologizes After Publicly Attacking ScreenRant Critic Over “Criminal Minds: Evolution” Review
6/22/2026, 12:16:19 PM
Incident Overview
On June 21, 2026, Paget Brewster, who plays Emily Prentiss on Paramount+’s “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” posted a hostile X message aimed at ScreenRant writer Shealyn Scott. The tweet referenced Scott’s review of the show’s streaming shift and warned that “bad pics and bad reviews can lead to 350 people losing their jobs.” Brewster deleted the post later that day and posted an apology on X.
Background & Context
“Criminal Minds” ended its CBS run in 2020 after fifteen seasons and returned on Paramount+ in 2022 as “Criminal Minds: Evolution.” The revival added a TV-MA rating, a ten-episode format, and new characters like Tyler Green (Ryan-James Hatanaka). Scott’s article noted fan approval of the darker tone but criticized the shorter seasons as a downgrade.
Key Figures & Groups
- Paget Brewster – Actress (Emily Prentiss) on “Criminal Minds: Evolution.”
- Shealyn Scott – ScreenRant writer of the review.
- David Rooney – Chief film critic, The Hollywood Reporter.
- Andy Behbakht – Senior writer, ScreenRant.
- Paramount+ – Platform hosting the series.
Official Statements & Responses
Brewster’s X apology said she was “mean to Shealyn Scott,” “profoundly regrets” the insult, and apologizes to both Scott and her followers, adding “last night, I sucked.” She confirmed the original tweet had been removed. Paramount+ gave no comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Industry observers called Brewster’s attack “a very bad look” and “disgusting behavior,” noting that criticism is a normal part of journalism. Critics highlighted that targeting a young female journalist raised concerns about gendered harassment. Social-media users described the response as “gross” and “thin-skinned.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Paget Brewster, X post (June 21, 2026)
- “This is a very bad look.” — David Rooney, chief film critic, The Hollywood Reporter
- “This is disgusting behavior on your part, and really tragic to see you tearing down a young female journalist whom you are literally telling that she ‘sucks’ and that she shouldn’t be in the field that she is in,” — Andy Behbakht, senior writer, ScreenRant
- “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,” — Shealyn Scott, ScreenRant article
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Brewster’s claim that negative coverage could cause “350 people losing their jobs” lacks verification from any production source. Paramount+ issued no statement on the claim or Brewster’s conduct.
What’s Next
The episode has reignited debate over how actors engage with criticism on social media. Observers suggest industry bodies may develop clearer guidelines for public conduct, and Brewster’s future interactions with reviewers are likely to be closely monitored.
