The co-creator of popular cartoon Rick and Morty has been dropped from his own show after he was hit with felony domestic abuse charges.
Justin Roiland, who co-created the animated TV series, now in its sixth season, has been dropped as the voice of both Rick and Morty, following the charges in Orange County, California.
He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial after being charged with corporal injury and false imprisonment by menace, fraud, violence or deceit.
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The charge against the 42-year-old relates to an alleged incident in 2020.
This week, the distribution company who have made the executive decision to cut Roiland from his own show, said: "Adult Swim has ended its association with Justin Roiland.”
Adult Swim bought another 70 episodes of the show in 2018, when ratings were soaring.
This would mean that the show must continue until at least a 10th season, without its creator and main voice actor. Season 7 is expected to release midway through 2023.
Sources have said that a new voice actor will come in to take Roiland's place.
In a statement this week, Roiland's attorney said: "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.”
A further pre-trial hearing is set to take place on April 27.
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