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‘Rick and Morty’ Creator Justin Roiland Facing Domestic Assault Charges

Author Laila Abuelhawa
Justin Roiland visits the #IMDboat At San Diego Comic-Con 2022: Day One on The IMDb Yacht on July 21, 2022 in San Diego, California.

Justin Roiland, co-creator of the adult animated comedy series Rick and Morty, is facing domestic violence charges. The charges stem from an incident with a girlfriend in 2020. Details of the two-year-old case were first made public on Thursday (January 12), however, the charging document that describes the alleged crimes remains sealed, BBC reports.

Roiland, 42, pleaded not guilty to two charges in 2020, and on Thursday appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing. If found guilty, the voice actor could face up to seven years in prison. Felony criminal charges of domestic battery with corporal injury and false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud and/or deceit were filed by the Orange County District Attorney in May 2020. The incident allegedly occurred in January of that year. The accuser is an anonymous “Jane Doe” who police say “was in a dating relationship” with Roiland at the time. A police complaint says that Roiland’s actions resulted “in a traumatic condition” for the woman.

“It is hard to overstate how inaccurate the recent media coverage of this situation has been,” said Edward Welbourn, an attorney for Roiland, in a statement. “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.”

The producer and director was arrested and released on a $50,000 bond in August 2020. He formally pleaded not guilty to the charges two months later. A protective order was filed against Roiland to keep at least 100 feet away from the accuser at all times. He was also ordered to not harass, threaten or spy on her. He was also ordered to turn over any firearms he possesses, so police can keep hold of them until at least October of this year.

At yesterday’s court hearing, Roiland’s lawyer told the judge that a plea deal was available to his client. Another required attendance hearing is scheduled for April 27.

Best TV Series/Seasons of 2022

We were lucky to have both amazing new and continuing television series in 2022. Adding to the superhero/comic universe, DC’s Peacemaker came out swinging with an amazing debut season, while Gerard Way’s The Umbrella Academy held its own in its third season. Chaotic screen queens Natasha Lyonne and Kaley Cuoco let their characters run crazy in their ongoing seasons in both Russian Doll and The Flight Attendant. Finally, we laughed and we cried in comedic series that was layered with real-life in shows like Abbott Elementary and Atlanta.

See below our list of the best 16 television series that came out or had new seasons in 2022:

  • Peacemaker

    We hated Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad, as a person. But in the HBO series’ opening season, John Cena’s character is not only hilarious, but he really redeems himself and grows as a person. If you’re a fan of raunchy comedy and action, this show is for you. Also stars Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo, Freddie Stroma as Adrian Chase/Vigilante, Chukwudi Iwuji as Clemson Murn, Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt, Steve Agee as John Economos and Robert Patrick as August “Auggie” Smith/White Dragon. A second season was officially announced in February, with James Gunn set to write and direct all episodes.

  • Ozark

    Julia Garner really shone in the final season of Netflix’s Ozark. We will never forget her iconic “If you’re going to stop me, you’re going to have to F—ING KILL ME!” line. What a well-done, thrilling drama series after four seasons. We will miss the Byrde’s and Ruth.

  • White Lotus

    White Lotus‘ second season returned, this time in Sicily, Italy. Jennifer Coolidge once again graces our screens with her chaotic way of living, this time with her young assistant. Marriages and families are put to the test when a couple of local hookers become involved, but the overarching theme this season seems to be the consequences of the sins of men.

  • The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

    You’ve got to be a fan of the Lord of the Rings to watch this prequel series, as there are elves, dwarves and orcs. Galadriel is a great leader and totally kicks a– in the show’s first season, which is filled with surprises of who is evil and who is really just trying to do their best in saving humanity against Sauron. It isn’t as great as LOTR, but it is better than The Hobbit. With one season down and another one to come sometime within the next two years, it is worth following the show.

  • Handmaid's Tale

    The wildest thing about season five is June Osborne’s relationship with Serena Waterford. We won’t spoil anything if you haven’t seen it yet, but the season is definitely worth your time.

  • Abbott Elementary

    Quinta Brunson’s second season of Abbott Elementary is just as witty and hilarious as the first. The ABC comedy show really is perfect for the whole family to watch.

  • Atlanta

    We are so sad to see Donald Glover’s Atlanta come to an end after four seasons on FX and Hulu. The show was not only hilarious but very emotional at times. We really were taken for a great ride in the world of Atlanta.

  • P-Valley

    While tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pynk girls struggle to make a living with the club being shut down. Mercedes deals with a whole lot, while Keyshawn undergoes a major transformation. Season three of the Starz series has been confirmed, with no release date as of yet.

  • The Boys

    In season three of The Boys, the ultimate battle between Homelander and his thought-to-be-dead predecessor, Soldier Boy is set to take place. Meanwhile, we finally get more insight on Black Noir’s mysterious past. As usual, Hughie puts himself in danger by trying to keep up with the Supes. Showrunner Eric Kripke announced on Twitter the beginning of season 4 filming in August, revealing the first episode’s title: “Department of Dirty Tricks.”

  • Succession

    The family that we love that loves to hate each other is coming back Spring 2023! Which of the Roys will be successful in getting Logan’s praise? With a family filled with backstabbers, it’s hard to tell if anyone will ever surpass Logan.

  • Russian Doll

    The crazy New Yorker Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) is back in the Netflix show’s second season, exploring time travel and multi-verses. We loved going back in time in Nadia’s family, meeting new characters and younger versions of character we already know. The show took risks this new season and though it seemed rushed at times with all the chaos going on, it was a thrilling watch.

  • The Flight Attendant

    Our favorite (non-)alcoholic flight attendant struggles with reality as it seems someone is trying to pose as her and commit horrible crimes. Kaley Cuoco reprises her role as Cassandra Bowden aka Alessandra Richi as a spy for the CIA. Right from the first episode, she is thrown into chaos and it’s a rollercoaster ride from there. Her lawyer friend bestie Annie (Zosia Mamet) seems to be intimidated by Cassie’s seemingly perfect new life in LA, and begins to spiral and self-destruct. This season is definitely Cuoco’s best work, and her raw emotions really captivates you.

  • Barry

    https://youtu.be/yx6AS0zzfGM

    At this point, Barry (Bill Hader) is obsessed with making amends and being forgiven — more specifically with his acting coach, Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler). Meanwhile, NoHo Hank and Cristobal’s secret relationship is constantly in danger of being found out by either side. Though a release date hasn’t been announced, we know that the upcoming fourth season will be directed by Hader and it will have eight episodes like every season before it.

  • Harley Quinn

    https://youtu.be/LFZhq7y_hfg

    While Harlivey seems to have ended strong in season two, the couple seems to be at odds as Harley changes into becoming more of a hero and Ivy is set on terraforming the whole world. Even more strange, the Joker seems to really be into being a nice guy for the sake of his girlfriend and her children!

  • Mo

    The new Netflix comedy is gaining acclaim for its portrayal of Arab American life rarely presented in popular culture, more specifically Palestinians. Mo Amer, the comedian who wrote and stars in the show, based it on his own story as a refugee in Houston. Though the show is a comedy, the struggle of identity in America is always looming over Mo and his family (his mother and older brother).

  • Ramy

    Before Mo, there was Ramy (Mo Amer also starred in the Hulu series as Ramy’s best friend). In the third season, Ramy continues his search for the meaning of life and his purpose. Supermodel Bella Hadid guest stars in the series as Stevie’s love interest.

Laila Abuelhawa is the Top 40 and Hip-Hop pop culture writer for Beasley Media Group. Being with the company for over three years, Laila's fierce and fabulous red-carpet rankings have earned her a feature on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert!' Her favorite stories are those surrounding the latest in celebrity fashion, television and film rankings, and how the world reacts to major celebrity news. With a background in journalism, Laila's stories ensure accuracy and offer background information on stars that you wouldn't have otherwise known. She prides herself in covering stories that inform the public about what is currently happening and what is to come in the ever-changing, ever-evolving media landscape.

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Author Laila Abuelhawa
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