Justin Roiland is yet to face trial for the domestic battery charges brought against him, but even before his scheduled court appearance, theRick and Mortycreator is now facing more accusations that speak of a persistent pattern of toxic conduct since the show’s early days.
Last month it became known that Roiland had been arrested in 2020 due to the domestic violence incident for which he is now facing trial, with the news quickly triggering his firing fromRick and Morty, as well as Hulu’sSolar OppositesandKoala Man, and him voluntarily leaving Squanch Games. While Roiland’s career in animation is quite extensive, his best-known work was as the voice behind Rick, Morty and many other characters in the Adult Swim series he and Dan Harmon pioneered.
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Nevertheless, despite his crucial role inRick and Morty, a new in-depth exposé fromThe Hollywood Reporterclaims that Roiland’s work in the hit series had diminished since season 2, which was followed by an instance of potential sexual harassment during season 3 that led to investigations from Cartoon Network. Although the channel declined to comment on the matter, it’s unknown whether this led to any findings, but statements from anonymous sources also say that Roiland had grown quite distant fromRick and Morty’swriting staff and creative process as a whole, mostly being limited to recording his voice work for the characters.
Roiland’s concerning behavior mentions anecdotes of him sitting so far away from the rest of the writers that he had to use binoculars indoors during meetings, openly engaging in unwanted discussions about his sex life, and a general demeanor that made many people feel uncomfortable around him. After Roiland’s legal troubles went public, a tattoo artist named Veronika Sweeney sharedTwittermessages depicting unwanted sexual flirtation from him, and former Mad magazine editorAllie Goertzalso opened up about a messaging incident she had with him.
Since 2013,Rick and Mortyhas pushed the envelope like few other TV shows out there, however, staffers now feel it’s hard to see that very brand of humor the same way as they wonder how much of it was influenced by Roiland’s darker side because “Now everything is going to have an asterisk on it.” WhileRoiland has been disavowed by all the studiosand shows he was working with, it’s yet to be seen howRick and Mortywill cope with his departure.
Justin Roiland remains innocent until proven otherwise, nevertheless, this scathing report puts him in an even worse light ahead of his impending trial. If there’s even a grain of truth to these accusations, thenRick and Mortyis definitely better off without Roiland.
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