'Rick and Morty' co-creator Justin Roiland faces felony domestic violence charges

Rick and Morty co-creator and star Justin Roiland is facing two felony charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident from 2020, according to a criminal complaint obtained by NPR.

Roiland, 42, was charged in Orange County, Calif., two years ago for the alleged incident that occurred in January of that year, the complaint states.

There have been recent pretrial hearings in the case, and a representative for the Orange County District Attorney's Office told NPR Roiland's next hearing is April 27.

NBC News, which first reported the charges, says Roiland was arrested and released on a $50,000 bond in August 2020 and arraigned in October of that year. He pleaded not guilty.

Neither an attorney nor a publicist for Roiland immediately returned NPR's request for comment.

He is facing one felony charge of domestic battery with corporal injury. This is for allegedly hurting an unnamed victim whom he was dating. He has also been charged with false imprisonment. The court document lists the victim as Jane Doe.

NBC also reports a protective order was also filed in 2020 that prevents Roiland from going within 100 feet of the alleged victim.

Roiland is best known for creating Rick and Morty with Dan Harmon as well as voicing the titular characters. The adult animated show follows the adventures of scientist Rick Sanchez and Morty, his grandson, across the multiverse. It first aired on Adult Swim in 2013. The show's sixth season wrapped in December.

Roiland also co-created Solar Opposites, another animated show that airs on Hulu. The show was renewed for a fifth season in October.

Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.