Justin Roiland, creator of “Rick and Morty,” has been exonerated of domestic violence charges. Kimberly Edds, a spokesperson for the Orange County District Attorney’s office, stated: “We dismissed the charges today due to insufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Roiland addressed the dismissal of charges on social media, expressing gratitude for the case’s resolution and distress over the “terrible falsehoods spread about me during this process.”
In January, Roiland attended a pre-trial hearing after being charged with one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud, and/or deceit. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in 2020, with a second pre-trial hearing scheduled for April 27.
In a recent statement, Roiland said, “I always knew these claims were false, and I never doubted this day would come.” He expressed disappointment in those who judged him without knowing the facts, accusing his ex of trying to bypass due process and have him “cancelled.” Roiland is now determined to move forward, focusing on his creative projects and restoring his reputation.
Roiland’s lawyer, T. Edward Welbourn, praised the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for thoroughly reviewing the case and ultimately dismissing it. In January, Adult Swim terminated its relationship with Roiland due to the charges, followed by Roiland’s resignation from Squanch Games, the video game developer he co-founded in 2016.
Roiland is best known for co-creating “Rick and Morty,” where he also voiced the show’s titular characters. His other credits include Hulu’s “Solar Opposites,” renewed for a fifth season in October, and “Koala Man,” where he served as executive producer and voice actor. Hulu severed ties with Roiland in January, but the shows will continue without his involvement. Both Adult Swim and Hulu declined to comment on the recent developments.
In January, Welbourn defended Roiland’s innocence, stating they expected the case to be dismissed once the District Attorney’s office reviewed the evidence. “Rick and Morty” Season 6 concluded in December 2022, with future episodes likely to proceed without Roiland’s involvement.
Following the dismissal of the domestic violence charges against him, Justin Roiland focuses on reclaiming his reputation and resuming his creative endeavours. However, whether Adult Swim and Hulu will reconsider their previous decisions to sever ties with the “Rick and Morty” creator remains uncertain. Neither company has commented on the recent developments in Roiland’s case.
In the meantime, Roiland’s fans and colleagues have expressed support for him on social media, emphasizing the importance of due process and not rushing to judgment. Some have even called for the reinstatement of Roiland on both “Rick and Morty” and “Solar Opposites,” urging Adult Swim and Hulu to reconsider their decisions in light of the dismissed charges.
As of now, no official announcements have been made regarding Roiland’s potential return to the projects he was previously involved in. The future of his professional relationships with Adult Swim, Hulu, and other collaborators will likely depend on the industry’s response to the case’s dismissal and Roiland’s determination to restore his reputation.
Regardless of the outcome, this situation highlights the potential consequences of social media and public opinion on individuals’ personal and professional lives, emphasizing the importance of due process and resisting judgment before all the facts are known.
