Yahoo News Rick and Morty fate announced as co-creator Justin Roiland dropped after domestic abuse charges
Rick and Morty broadcaster Adult Swim has updated fans on the show's future, following the news that co-creator Justin Roiland is facing domestic abuse charges.
A statement posted on the show's official Twitter account read: "Adult Swim has ended its association with Justin Roiland. Rick and Morty will continue. The talented and dedicated crew are hard at work on Season 7."
On January 12, NBC reported that Roiland had been charged with "one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud and/or deceit." He has pleaded not guilty.
Roiland appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing that day, after which some details of the case were made public. The charging document, which contains details relating to the allegations, remains under seal.
The incident in question is alleged to have occurred in January 2020, according to documents obtained by NBC. The accuser has not been identified, but police have said the person "was in a dating relationship" with Roiland at the time of the alleged incident.
Roiland was arrested and released on bond in August 2020. Two months later, he formally entered a not guilty plea.
During the pre-trial hearing earlier this month, Roiland's lawyer told the case judge that a plea deal was available, although no further details were provided. The next hearing, which Roiland will be required to attend, is scheduled for April 27.
In a statement, Edward Welbourn, an attorney for Roiland, told BBC News that he has "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".
Welbourn added: "We look forward to clearing Justin's name and helping him move forward as swiftly as possible."
Roiland co-created Rick and Morty with Dan Harmon. The animated series has been airing on Adult Swim since 2013. Roiland also provided the voice of the show's two main characters, Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, and these roles will now be recast.
If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
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