Rick and Morty to Continue Without Its Co-Creator Following Domestic Violence Allegations

The news has hit the media: Justin Roiland, co-creator of the animated series Rick and Morty, has been charged with felony gender violence. The response from Adult Swim, the platform that broadcasts the show, was swift: it released a brief statement confirming that production on the seventh season will continue without Roiland.

"Adult Swim has concluded its association with Justin Roiland. Rick and Morty will continue. The talented and dedicated team has been hard at work on Season 7.

In addition to co-creating the show, Roiland voiced the main characters, Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith.

What is the co-creator of Rick and Morty being charged with?

According to the indictment, Justin Roiland allegedly assaulted a woman he was romantically involved with in 2020. The Orange County court has charged him with one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury.” In addition, they note that he committed a crime of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud and/or deceit" against the alleged victim.

The case is not new, as Roiland already had to post $50,000 bail to be released. Now, the legal process has been reactivated after new evidence was presented, resulting in a 100-foot restraining order for the alleged victim.

The alleged perpetrator has defended his innocence and released a statement through his attorney (via Entertainment Weekly):

"It is hard to overstate how inaccurate the recent media coverage of this situation has been. To be clear, not only is Justin innocent but we also have every expectation that this matter is on course to be dismissed once the District Attorney's office has completed its methodical review of the evidence. We look forward to clearing Justin's name and helping him move forward as swiftly as possible.”

Rick & Morty can be seen in the United States through Hulu and HBO Max.

Source | Adult Swim, Entertainment Weekly