Earlier this year, domestic violence charges where levelled against Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland, alleging abuse from an ex-partner and one instance of Roiland apparently engaging in explicit conversations with a minor. The Orange County District Attorney’s office has now cleared Roiland of any domestic violence charges, with the creator posting a statement on Twitter expressing his disappointment that many were quick to judge before a resolution was found.
The charges against Roiland were dismissed due to insufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Roiland pleaded not guilty to one count of domestic battery and another count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud, and/or deceit in 2020. A pre-trial took place in January this year while a second was planned for 27 April.
READ MORE – Silent Hill 2 Remake Development is Close to Completion
Roiland posted a statement on Twitter explaining his side of the case and frustration with the process:
“I have always known that these claims were false. Most of all, I’m disappointed that so many people were so quick to judge without knowing the facts, based solely on the word of an embittered ex trying to bypass due process and have me ‘canceled.’ That it may have succeeded, even partially, is shameful. However, now that my legal case has ended, I’m determined to move forward and focus both on my creative projects and restoring my good name.”
The Orange County District Attorney’s office didn’t entirely rule for Roiland’s innocence, rather there was not enough evidence to prove the case hence the dismissal.
The news has been met with a divisive response from the online community. Some stand with Roiland while others point to allegations that were never addressed, including an alleged exchange that happened between Roiland and someone underage, joking about being enslaved for sex.
Adult Swim has since parted ways with Roiland following the allegations coming to light. He also resigned as a co-founder on the game development company Squanch Games, which released its new game High on Life last December. It’s unclear if he’ll be hired back for Rick and Morty.
Source: GameSpot
