Rick and Morty co-creator dropped following domestic abuse charges

ADULT Swim, the network behind the hit animated comedy 'Rick and Morty,' has ended its association with show co-creator Justin Roiland following his recent domestic abuse charges.

Roiland, who is also the voice of the titular characters in the show, was charged with one count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one count of false imprisonment in Orange County, California. He has pleaded not guilty and is expected to return to court on April 27. 

Despite this, the show is set to continue with Roiland's voice roles being recast. Fellow co-creator Dan Harmon will now be the lone showrunner and the show is locked in through season 10. Adult Swim had commissioned a massive 70-episode order for the show in 2018, and is not even halfway through that order yet. 

Roiland still has several projects ongoing with US streaming service Hulu, including as the co-creator of the streamer's 'Solar Opposites,' on which he voices a main character. The show was renewed for a fifth season in October. He is also an executive producer on the recently premiered 'Koala Man' and has an overall deal with 20th Television Animation, which produces 'Solar Opposites' and 'Koala Man.' 

In a statement, Roiland's attorney T. Edward Welbourn said that the media coverage of the case has been "inaccurate," before adding, "To be clear, 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." 

The video game studio Squanch Games, which Roiland co-founded, also announced on January 24 that Roiland had resigned from the company. They had just released the game 'High on Life' which prominently featured Roiland's voice.

The news of Roiland's charges and Adult Swim's decision to cut ties with him has sparked a lot of reactions from fans and industry professionals. Some have expressed disappointment and concern about the allegations, while others have expressed support for Roiland and are looking forward to the show's continuation. – The Vibes, January 26, 2023