Animator Justin Roiland, known for his work on the show “Rick and Morty,” is facing accusations of using his fame to coerce young women and teenagers into engaging in sexual activities. Journalist Kat Tenbarge published a report containing text messages and social media direct messages between Roiland and his accusers, which include allegations of sexual assault, grooming, and coercion.
Roiland has denied the charges through his lawyer, stating that the allegations are false and defamatory. Earlier this year, domestic violence charges against Roiland were dismissed. Following the dismissal, Roiland expressed his determination to focus on his creative projects and restore his reputation.
According to the report, Roiland allegedly used his fame, influence, and financial resources to fly young women and teenage girls to his Los Angeles home. Three of the individuals involved in the report claim that Roiland initially contacted them when they were 16 years old. Roiland would reportedly cease communication upon learning their age, only to reconnect months or years later.
One accuser, Janna Waters, alleges that Roiland began messaging them when they were a 16-year-old high school student. Waters believes Roiland was “grooming” them. When Waters turned 17, Roiland offered to fly them to Los Angeles, but upon being reminded of their age, he dropped the plan. In 2019, when Waters was 20, Roiland flew them to L.A. and allegedly encouraged them to drink alcohol and engage in sexual activities, which Waters refused.
Another accuser, a 19-year-old artist from Pennsylvania, claims that Roiland contacted her after she tweeted about his show. They continued communicating, and Roiland eventually offered her a trip to L.A., assuring her father of her safety. During the trip in 2017, Roiland allegedly encouraged the young woman to engage in group sex, which made her uncomfortable. She later expressed her distress over the incident, stating that it caused trauma.
One accuser has text messages in which she tells Roiland that she did not consent to sex. Additionally, a 20-year-old woman who went on a Tinder date with Roiland in 2019 alleges that he forced her to perform oral sex on him.
The allegations against Roiland are currently under investigation.
