‘Rick And Morty’ Co-Creator Facing Felony Domestic Violence Charges

Justin Roiland, a co-creator and voice actor for the popular animated series “Rick and Morty,” is facing felony charges for domestic violence in connection to a 2020 incident with a former girlfriend.

According to a story first reported by NBC News on Thursday, a district attorney in Orange County, California, filed a criminal complaint against Roiland in May 2020. The incident in question took place on or around Jan. 19 that same year with an anonymous Jane Doe he was dating at the time, the complaint said.

Roiland was charged in August 2020, 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 was then released on a $50,000 bond.

The voice actor pleaded not guilty to the charges at an October 2020 arraignment.

Under a protective order, Roiland was told not to harass, threaten or surveil the Jane Doe.

In addition, Roiland must stay at least 100 feet away from the woman at all times, and he was ordered to turn over any firearms he owned or possessed until at least October 2023.

During a hearing Thursday, Roiland’s attorney — who was not named by NBC News — told the court that a plea offer is available to his client but did not provide further details.

A member of Roiland’s legal team, T. Edward Welbourn, told HuffPost on Thursday:

“It is hard to overstate how inaccurate the recent media coverage of this situation has been. 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. We look forward to clearing Justin’s name and helping him move forward as swiftly as possible.”

Another hearing is scheduled for April 27, and Roiland has been ordered to attend.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.