Rick and Morty Star Justin Roiland Faces Accusations of Sexual Assault and Misusing Fame
Accusations Surface
Justin Roiland, known for his role in the popular show “Rick and Morty,” is facing serious allegations. He has been accused of sexual assault and using his celebrity status to engage with young fans inappropriately.
Previous Legal Troubles
Earlier this year, Roiland faced legal trouble when charges of domestic violence, involving an ex-girlfriend, were dropped by US prosecutors. However, his recent woes stem from a report by NBC News, in collaboration with Sky’s US partner. This report is based on interviews with 11 women and non-binary individuals who claim to have had interactions with Roiland. They have also shared a substantial amount of text messages, emails, social media interactions, and dating app messages exchanged with Roiland between 2013 and 2022.
Troubling Allegations Emerge
Out of the 11 individuals interviewed, nine alleged that their interactions with Roiland took a sexual turn. Shockingly, three of these individuals claimed they were just 16 years old when they began communicating with him.
Roiland’s Response
In response to these accusations, Roiland’s lawyer, Andrew Brettler, has vehemently denied the claims, calling them “false and defamatory” in a letter addressed to NBC News.
Serious Accusations
One woman has accused Roiland of forcing her to perform oral sex on him in March 2019. However, Roiland’s lawyer did not provide a specific response to this allegation. Mr. Brettler did mention that the woman had previously asked Roiland to buy her clothes and offered to sell him explicit videos a few months after the incident, which left Roiland feeling “duped and taken advantage of.”
Additional Accusations
Another woman alleged that Roiland flew her to his Los Angeles home in March 2017 and had sexual intercourse with her while she was intoxicated. In his defense, Mr. Brettler stated that the encounter was consensual. Both women did confirm that they confronted Roiland about the incidents, and he apologized.
Inappropriate Language
Two people have claimed that they began communicating with Roiland when they were just 16 years old. They provided messages in which Roiland referred to them as “jailbait,” a derogatory term used to describe underage girls whom older men find attractive.
Underage Drinking Allegations
Another person alleged that Roiland invited them to a party in 2019 when they were 20 years old. They claim that Roiland encouraged them to consume alcohol, despite their age and reluctance to do so.
Social Media Outcry
According to NBC News, seven of the individuals had previously shared their allegations on social media. Most of these accounts surfaced following the domestic abuse accusations against Roiland.
Roiland’s Response on Social Media
Following the dismissal of the earlier charges in March, Roiland posted the word “justice” on his social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter). In an additional statement within the same post, he stated, “I have always known that these claims were false – and I never had any doubt that this day would come. I’m thankful that this case has been dismissed but, at the same time, I’m still deeply shaken by the horrible lies.” Roiland expressed his determination to move forward, focusing on his creative projects and restoring his reputation.
Professional Fallout
Despite the charges being dismissed, the TV channel Adult Swim has severed ties with Roiland.