Domestic abuse charges hit voice of Rick and Morty

Davis Shaw, Staff Writer

Adult Swim’s “Rick and Morty”  is one of the most successful shows made for the young adult audience within the past decade. However, it has recently found itself in troubled waters. 

Roiland has been embroiled in controversy since 2020, when he was accused by his ex-girlfriend of physical abuse. Companies like Hulu, which is home to his other adult animated show “Solar Opposites”, have ended their relationships with the creator. 

Adult Swim has followed suit. It was announced last month that “Rick and Morty” will continue without Roiland, and Harmon will take on the solo title as creator for the future seasons. 

On top of losing one of the leading writers, the show will also be losing the voices of the titular characters, Rick and Morty, since Roiland is the one who voices them.

GC students who are fans of the show, such as Sophie Hidalgo, freshman mass communication major, commented on the situation.

“He must be really creative but, obviously, he’s got something going on in his head, considering he was being aggressive with somebody in his life that was one of his loved ones,” Hidalgo said. “I think the show will survive without him because they have such a strong fanbase, but you will win some and lose some. Some people may be appalled by what happened, but others don’t like change, though.”

“I don’t really like the show,” said Drew Oldham, sophomore psychology major. “I don’t really have an opinion on the whole Justin Roiland thing because I don’t really know anything about it. But, probably, the show would not survive without him, just cause it’s very much based off his signature vibe for the show that if it misses out on it, it’s not going to be the same. 

Though the situation is still developing, looking at similar situations with other shows and their creators, there will most likely be a rough patch, but they usually come back with a fresh, new voice. 

According to a statement published by NBC, one of Roiland’s attorneys wrote that his client is innocent and he expects the case will be dismissed.

“We look forward to clearing Justin’s name and helping him move forward as swiftly as possible,” attorney T. Edward Welbourn wrote.