In January 2020 Justin Roiland, creator of Rick & Morty and founder of Squanch Games (development studio that released High On Life), was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend. The story only surfaced earlier this year, when NBC News brought it to the attention of the general public.
When the allegations became public knowledge, the life of Justin Roilandalready complicated by the legal aftermath of the matter, has drastically changed for the worse. The creative was first removed from Adult Swim, the network that broadcasts Rick & Morty, after which he announced his resignation from Squanch Games, a development studio that he founded himself.
The case was due to return to court for a preliminary hearing on April 27, but apparently it was resolved prematurely. It was Justin Roiland himself who announced, with a message full of relief and regret, that he had been cleared of domestic violence charges: “I always knew those allegations were false – and I never doubted that this day would come. I’m glad this case was dismissed but, at the same time, I’m still terribly shaken by the horrible lies that have been told about me during this process. In particular, I am very disappointed by so many people who have suddenly judged me without knowing the facts, based solely on the word of a resentful ex who tried to avoid prosecution and have me “deleted”. If it had actually happened, even partially, it would have been shameful. I am determined to move forward to focus on my creative projects and restore my good name.”
Contacted by Variety, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that “the charges were dropped due to lack of leads able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt”.
Roiland is famous for having co-creato Rick & Morty, show in which he also dubbed the two protagonists. She was also an important contributor to the recent Xbox hit Game Pass High on Life, for which she developed the concept and participated in the design and development.
