Cable network Adult Swim has cut ties with Justin Roiland, the co-creator of its popular animated series “Rick & Morty,” who is facing felony charges related to recently publicized allegations of domestic abuse.
“Adult Swim has ended its association with Justin Roiland,” Adult Swim/Cartoon Network/Boomerang spokeswoman Mairie Moore said Tuesday.
In May 2020, Roiland was charged with one count of domestic assault with bodily injury and one count of false imprisonment for menacing, assault, fraud and/or deception.
He was arrested and released on $50,000 bond in August 2020 and pleaded not guilty to the charges in an October trial, according to NBC News, which first reported the allegations against Roiland on January 12 of this year .
T. Edward Welbourn, a member of Roiland’s legal team, told HuffPost after a Jan. 13 hearing that “not only is Justin innocent, but we expect the matter to be dismissed once the DA’s office completes its methodical examination of evidence. “
Although Roiland is the voice of “Rick” and “Morty,” sources tell Deadline that his exit will not affect the series, which is currently in the midst of a 70-episode order.
Roiland is also a producer and voice actor on two Hulu shows: “Solar Opposites” and “Koala Man.” HuffPost reached out to the streamer for comment, but no one immediately responded.
Roiland’s next court hearing is scheduled for April 27.
I need help? In the United States, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for National Domestic Violence Hotline.
