Wednesday’s announcement by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in California stated that domestic violence charges against Justin Roiland, co-creator of “Rick and Morty”, have been dropped.
Kimberly Edds, spokesperson for the office of the district attorney, stated in a statement that the charges were dismissed today “because there was insufficient evidence beyond reasonable doubt.”
Edds stated that “significant additional information” was discovered.
Roiland confirmed via social media that the case was dismissed.
Roiland stated in a Twitter statement that “I have known since childhood that these claims are false.”
An attorney for Roiland stated that the office of the district attorney had conducted a thorough review of the facts in a statement to NBC News.
Attorney T. Edward Welbourn stated in the statement, “I’m thankful justice prevailed.”
NBC News reported that Roiland was charged with one felony charge of domestic battery with corporal injuries and one felony charge of false imprisonment by threat, violence, fraud, and/or deceit. Roiland was first arrested in May 2020. He was released on bond in August 2020.
Roiland, who has not made his name public, called the accuser an “embittered ex” in his statement. He also accused her of trying bypass due process to have him “canceled.”
Adult Swim declared that it would end its partnership with Roiland. The two main characters in “Rick” and Morty, who were both voiced by Roiland, were recast. Hulu also stated that it would recast Roiland’s role as part of “Solar Opposites” but that he would no longer be involved in any future projects. Squanch Games, Roiland’s videogame studio, issued a statement stating that Roiland had resigned.
Roiland stated Wednesday that he would “move forward” and will focus on his creative projects as well as restoring his good name.
