Adult Swim has let go of Justin Roiland, the co-creator of Rick and Morty and the voice of the titular characters, as he faces domestic violence charges. Roiland also resigned from Squanch games, a video game company he co-founded.
NBC News reports that a criminal complaint charging Roiland with one count of domestic battery and one count of false imprisonment was filed against Roiland in May 2020. It claims that the incident happened in mid-January 2020.
Roiland reportedly pleaded not guilty in October 2020. “We look forward to clearing Justin’s name and helping him move forward as swiftly as possible,” attorney T. Edward Welbourn wrote.
Justin Roiland isn’t married or linked with a romantic partner
As far as we can tell, Justin Roiland isn’t married and doesn’t seem to be dating. Roiland is fairly secretive – his social media pages hold no evidence of romantic connections.
NBC News reports that Roiland’s accuser, identified as Jane Doe, was dating Justin when the alleged assault happened. Court records show that a protective order prohibits Roiland from harassing, threatening, or surveilling his accuser.
Roiland mustn’t go within 100 feet of the person or possess a firearm. The order will expire in October 2023.
A protective order seals details of the case against Roiland, including abuse investigation reports, medical reports, police body camera footage, and the affidavit in support of Roiland’s arrest. The purpose of the order is to protect the alleged victim.
Roiland’s attorney, Edward Welbourn, said prosecutors have offered Roiland a plea deal but didn’t discuss the details. Welbourn said he expects anticipates the case’s dismissal:
“Not only is Justin innocent but we also have every expectation that this matter is on course to be dismissed once the district attorney’s office has completed its methodical review of the evidence.”
Roiland’s Instagram page shows he had close connections with his deceased dogs, Mharti and Jerry. The pups, brothers distinguishable by the colors of their noses, died within a day of each other in April 2022 after battling cancer.
Roiland wrote the following Instagram tribute for Jerry on 4th April 2022: “Jerry I love you with all my heart. I cherished every moment I had with you. We will be reunited again. Until then, watch over me and protect me from evil. RIP Jerry Michaels.”
The following day, Roiland lost Mharti. He wrote on Instagram: “Words can not describe the pain I feel from the unexpected loss this morning of Mharti “Pup Pup” Michaels. He was Jerry’s little brother and his little heart failed him this morning. My two baby boys [are] both gone. I love you more than words can ever express.”