After nearly two years, the domestic violence charges against Rick and Morty creator Justin Roiland have been dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Variety confirmed this news with a statement from Kimberly Edds, a spokeswoman for the Orange County District Attorney’s office: “We dismissed the charges today as a result of having insufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Roiland quickly chimed in on his newly reported innocence, blaming the charges on an “embittered ex” trying to have him “canceled.”
He wrote on Twitter, “I have always known that these claims were false – and I never had any doubt that this day would come.”
Roiland continued, “I’m thankful that this case was dismissed, but I’m still deeply shaken by the horrible lies that were reported about me during this process.” He expressed that he is “disappointed” in those who “were so quick to judge.”
Roiland concluded, “Now that the legal case has ended, I’m determined to move forward and focus both on my creative projects and restoring my good name.”
In January, Roiland faced multiple charges of domestic violence as the result of an incident which occurred in January 2020 involving an unidentified woman. He was 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.
Another hearing had been set for April 27.
In regards to the same incident, Roiland was charged and arrested in May 2020, but released on bond. Months later, he was arraigned and the victim was granted a protective order.
Roiland has maintained his innocence since the charges were first filed.
Following the recent charges, Roiland was dropped by Adult Swim, Warner Bros. Discovery, Hulu, 20th TV Animation, and Squanch Games. Additionally, others came forward with allegations of sexual harrassment. The Hollywood Reporter published an exposé featuring multiple staffers who alleged that Roiland would discuss his sex life with them and behave inappropriately, which prompted a formal investigation from Cartoon Network.