Ubiquitous
2019-02-10 16:33:02 UTC
Production company Rooster Teeth reached out to Anime News Network on
Monday to issue a statement regarding voice actor Vic Mignogna's role
in the animated series RWBY.
Effective today, Vic Mignogna is no longer a part of the
cast of RWBY and Rooster Teeth is ending all associations
with Mignogna. This will not affect the creative content
of RWBY.
Mignogna voiced the reoccuring character Qrow Branwen in the series.
Rooster Teeth did not announce who will replace Mignogna in future
episodes.
Rooster Teeth's statement comes in the wake of allegations leveled
against voice actor Vic Mignogna last month. 56-year-old Mignogna was
accused by a number of con attendees of kissing and embracing them
without consent over the course of his career with some allegations
dating back to 2008.
Fellow voice actors have publicly issued anecdotes of their personal
experiences with Mignogna or support for those speaking out via social
media. Monica Rial posted an image on her Instagram page with the text
"I Believe and Support Survivors" on January 31. Similarly, Alex Moore
and Aaron Roberts also shared a supportive messages.
Alex Moore, Allegedly @plus3toogres
I believe survivors. Its 2019. There is nothing to gain
from coming forward except peace. Sometimes, not even justice.
Aaron Roberts @AaronRobertsYes
Women who speak out about sexual assault and harassment,
and are reliving those moments by doing so, are BRAVE.
Bottom line. We have to do better. Believe women.
Neil Kaplan shared his own story of an encounter with Mignogna on
Monday. In the story, he recounts how Mignogna "mounted" him without
warning at MegaCon 2008 in Orlando. Kaplan shared a video of the
incident.
Kaplan wrote: "Why is it embarrassing? Well, the dude presses his junk
into the back of my neck. I felt violated and upon further review I
realize that instead of a handshake, the dude mounted me. He didn't
know me... and he MOUNTED ME!!!" I tried to play it off and make a
joke. But it was vile and rude. But, he was popular, so what was I
gonna do other than let it go and move on.
Stephanie Sheh shared Anime News Network's article on Twitter and later
followed up with a Tweet about negative reactions she received for
sharing it, even without a personal comment attached. Voice actor D. C.
Douglas posted a longer thread detailing the considerations and
difficulties he had prior to sharing the article. He expressed he was
initially concerned about how engaging in the issue might affect his
ability to continue working in the industry and how that can have a
silencing effect. Caitlin Glass shared Biblical scripture, John 1:8-10,
which talks about confessing sin and receiving God's forgiveness.
Other voice actors' thoughts are shared below.
Alejandro Saab @KaggyFilms
Yo so I just looked up whats been going on with the whole
#KickVic situation because Im just curious as to whats
happened since I left for Japan. And I just gotta say...
WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING?! This has turned into something
bigger...
Tara Jayne Sands
I know its hard when our heroes disappoint us. Your positive
experience with them is still valid and real, but we need to
be open to listening to victims and not discredit them based
on our own emotions.
Danielle McRae
I believe you
J Michael Tatum @JMichaelTatum
As a victim of sexual assault, Ive learned that predators
thrive on the status quo. I want to help create a world where
speaking out ignites solidarity, not silence - support, not
suspicion. I believe the victims. I stand with the survivors.
You have a voice. We hear you.
Brina Palencia
To all of my POC and LGBTQ fans and friends: You are
loved. You matter.
Monica Rial
Nope, not true. Weve been screaming for years. Unfortunately,
were just voice actors so nobody listens. The only difference
now is that Im not fearful of damaging my career for speaking
out. I dont need or want brownie points.
Monica Rial
As Ive said before, I have spoken up. Several times. I was
silenced. Not anymore.
P??al?Ca??a? #AnimeGate @CanvasPirate
I'm sorry Monica, but if this was problem has been going
on for many years why didn't you say anything about it
til now? Why didn't you take him to the side and be like
"hey buddy, may you should stop that?" That's what I would've
done if that was my friend or co-worker.
Monica Rial
I did. Twice. Nothing changed.
CY98 #IStandWithVic #KickMonica @RWBY_Fan10000
Did you even watch his video? He said that he only hugged
and kissed because they asked him to. Intentions matter,
and Vics intentions were not malicious. Its easy to hate
someone, but its hard to accept that someone you think is
bad is actually a great person
Monica Rial
Or that someone you think is a good person is
actually bad. ??????? As inappropriate as kissing
and hugging fans without consent may be, thats
just the beginning.
The Artful Snacker @SaretteNoah
Okay so it's 15+ years of what?
Vic put up a statement that rebutted "this behavior"
and said that he will change his behavior (as he should)
to protect himself for online fans misunderstanding.
Until something really bad comes out I just don't care
and nether should you.
Monica Rial
Its been brought to his attention numerous times.
In fact, I confronted him about it on two different
occasions over a decade ago. I got crocodile tears
and he was back at it within weeks.
Jen Brown
I fully support RT & others in their decision to #KickVic.
As a relative newcomer with no real power in the convention
world, I had heard the stories recently but was not in a
place to say anything. It made me sick to my stomach & Im
glad to see that action is being taken.
Dawn M. Bennett
I believe survivors.
You may not know their faces, but their voices matter.
Listen.
Let not emotions and rose-colored glasses cloud judgment.
Know that there is a side to every story.
That every story deserves to be heard.
Even if the truth is not what you want to hear.
Josh Grelle @ AMKE
Survivors. I've seen your tears, withheld and without,
for awhile now. Those of you who are in a place to say
something are often forced to be victims again; reliving
your pain as it's put out there for the world to see,
and sadly few ever care or stop to think how that must
feel
??????? ?????? @TeeDotally
While some have taken it upon themselves to scrutinize
things any/every way to fit a narrative that works for
them, others are dealing w/some REAL stuff offline.
If something doesnt make sense to youan outsiderit
doesnt matter.
They owe you nothing.
Daman Mills @DamanMills
Many voices have been echoing a pressing issue, and this
needs a strong united front. I believe survivors. It takes
a tremendous level of courage to speak openly about sexual
assault and trauma. Please support victims, don't dismiss
their stories. There's truth to be heard.
AmaLee
So many have put it into more eloquent words, but thank you
to those who have spoken out and made your voices heard. You
are so incredibly brave and know that you are not alone. We
hear you and stand with you. So much love
Amber Lee Connors
I believe victims and I stand in solidarity with survivors.
I hear you. I see you and youre not alone. Every Voice
Matters. The gaslighting in these situations is real and I
dont wish that on anyone.
Christopher Wehkamp @ChrisWehkamp
I grew up as an altar boy in the Catholic Church.
Though I was lucky to not be victimized myself, I know
some who were. I parted ways with the church at 18 for
these and other reasons.
Im only one voice in an echo chamber of noise. But
suriviors of sexual abuse must be heard.
Since the allegations came to the surface, all but five of Mignogna's
18 convention appearances scheduled for 2019 are cancelled. Mignogna
was at the Bak-Anime convention in Bakersfield, California last weekend
where he delivered a tearful apology to the attendees.
Mignogna is well known for voicing popular anime characters like Edward
Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist, Tamaki in Ouran High School Host Club,
Zero in Vampire Knight, and Fay D. Flourite in Tsubasa: RESERVoir
CHRoNiCLE. He recently starred as Broly in the Dragon Ball Super: Broly
film currently in U.S. theaters.
Monday to issue a statement regarding voice actor Vic Mignogna's role
in the animated series RWBY.
Effective today, Vic Mignogna is no longer a part of the
cast of RWBY and Rooster Teeth is ending all associations
with Mignogna. This will not affect the creative content
of RWBY.
Mignogna voiced the reoccuring character Qrow Branwen in the series.
Rooster Teeth did not announce who will replace Mignogna in future
episodes.
Rooster Teeth's statement comes in the wake of allegations leveled
against voice actor Vic Mignogna last month. 56-year-old Mignogna was
accused by a number of con attendees of kissing and embracing them
without consent over the course of his career with some allegations
dating back to 2008.
Fellow voice actors have publicly issued anecdotes of their personal
experiences with Mignogna or support for those speaking out via social
media. Monica Rial posted an image on her Instagram page with the text
"I Believe and Support Survivors" on January 31. Similarly, Alex Moore
and Aaron Roberts also shared a supportive messages.
Alex Moore, Allegedly @plus3toogres
I believe survivors. Its 2019. There is nothing to gain
from coming forward except peace. Sometimes, not even justice.
Aaron Roberts @AaronRobertsYes
Women who speak out about sexual assault and harassment,
and are reliving those moments by doing so, are BRAVE.
Bottom line. We have to do better. Believe women.
Neil Kaplan shared his own story of an encounter with Mignogna on
Monday. In the story, he recounts how Mignogna "mounted" him without
warning at MegaCon 2008 in Orlando. Kaplan shared a video of the
incident.
Kaplan wrote: "Why is it embarrassing? Well, the dude presses his junk
into the back of my neck. I felt violated and upon further review I
realize that instead of a handshake, the dude mounted me. He didn't
know me... and he MOUNTED ME!!!" I tried to play it off and make a
joke. But it was vile and rude. But, he was popular, so what was I
gonna do other than let it go and move on.
Stephanie Sheh shared Anime News Network's article on Twitter and later
followed up with a Tweet about negative reactions she received for
sharing it, even without a personal comment attached. Voice actor D. C.
Douglas posted a longer thread detailing the considerations and
difficulties he had prior to sharing the article. He expressed he was
initially concerned about how engaging in the issue might affect his
ability to continue working in the industry and how that can have a
silencing effect. Caitlin Glass shared Biblical scripture, John 1:8-10,
which talks about confessing sin and receiving God's forgiveness.
Other voice actors' thoughts are shared below.
Alejandro Saab @KaggyFilms
Yo so I just looked up whats been going on with the whole
#KickVic situation because Im just curious as to whats
happened since I left for Japan. And I just gotta say...
WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING?! This has turned into something
bigger...
Tara Jayne Sands
I know its hard when our heroes disappoint us. Your positive
experience with them is still valid and real, but we need to
be open to listening to victims and not discredit them based
on our own emotions.
Danielle McRae
I believe you
J Michael Tatum @JMichaelTatum
As a victim of sexual assault, Ive learned that predators
thrive on the status quo. I want to help create a world where
speaking out ignites solidarity, not silence - support, not
suspicion. I believe the victims. I stand with the survivors.
You have a voice. We hear you.
Brina Palencia
To all of my POC and LGBTQ fans and friends: You are
loved. You matter.
Monica Rial
Nope, not true. Weve been screaming for years. Unfortunately,
were just voice actors so nobody listens. The only difference
now is that Im not fearful of damaging my career for speaking
out. I dont need or want brownie points.
Monica Rial
As Ive said before, I have spoken up. Several times. I was
silenced. Not anymore.
P??al?Ca??a? #AnimeGate @CanvasPirate
I'm sorry Monica, but if this was problem has been going
on for many years why didn't you say anything about it
til now? Why didn't you take him to the side and be like
"hey buddy, may you should stop that?" That's what I would've
done if that was my friend or co-worker.
Monica Rial
I did. Twice. Nothing changed.
CY98 #IStandWithVic #KickMonica @RWBY_Fan10000
Did you even watch his video? He said that he only hugged
and kissed because they asked him to. Intentions matter,
and Vics intentions were not malicious. Its easy to hate
someone, but its hard to accept that someone you think is
bad is actually a great person
Monica Rial
Or that someone you think is a good person is
actually bad. ??????? As inappropriate as kissing
and hugging fans without consent may be, thats
just the beginning.
The Artful Snacker @SaretteNoah
Okay so it's 15+ years of what?
Vic put up a statement that rebutted "this behavior"
and said that he will change his behavior (as he should)
to protect himself for online fans misunderstanding.
Until something really bad comes out I just don't care
and nether should you.
Monica Rial
Its been brought to his attention numerous times.
In fact, I confronted him about it on two different
occasions over a decade ago. I got crocodile tears
and he was back at it within weeks.
Jen Brown
I fully support RT & others in their decision to #KickVic.
As a relative newcomer with no real power in the convention
world, I had heard the stories recently but was not in a
place to say anything. It made me sick to my stomach & Im
glad to see that action is being taken.
Dawn M. Bennett
I believe survivors.
You may not know their faces, but their voices matter.
Listen.
Let not emotions and rose-colored glasses cloud judgment.
Know that there is a side to every story.
That every story deserves to be heard.
Even if the truth is not what you want to hear.
Josh Grelle @ AMKE
Survivors. I've seen your tears, withheld and without,
for awhile now. Those of you who are in a place to say
something are often forced to be victims again; reliving
your pain as it's put out there for the world to see,
and sadly few ever care or stop to think how that must
feel
??????? ?????? @TeeDotally
While some have taken it upon themselves to scrutinize
things any/every way to fit a narrative that works for
them, others are dealing w/some REAL stuff offline.
If something doesnt make sense to youan outsiderit
doesnt matter.
They owe you nothing.
Daman Mills @DamanMills
Many voices have been echoing a pressing issue, and this
needs a strong united front. I believe survivors. It takes
a tremendous level of courage to speak openly about sexual
assault and trauma. Please support victims, don't dismiss
their stories. There's truth to be heard.
AmaLee
So many have put it into more eloquent words, but thank you
to those who have spoken out and made your voices heard. You
are so incredibly brave and know that you are not alone. We
hear you and stand with you. So much love
Amber Lee Connors
I believe victims and I stand in solidarity with survivors.
I hear you. I see you and youre not alone. Every Voice
Matters. The gaslighting in these situations is real and I
dont wish that on anyone.
Christopher Wehkamp @ChrisWehkamp
I grew up as an altar boy in the Catholic Church.
Though I was lucky to not be victimized myself, I know
some who were. I parted ways with the church at 18 for
these and other reasons.
Im only one voice in an echo chamber of noise. But
suriviors of sexual abuse must be heard.
Since the allegations came to the surface, all but five of Mignogna's
18 convention appearances scheduled for 2019 are cancelled. Mignogna
was at the Bak-Anime convention in Bakersfield, California last weekend
where he delivered a tearful apology to the attendees.
Mignogna is well known for voicing popular anime characters like Edward
Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist, Tamaki in Ouran High School Host Club,
Zero in Vampire Knight, and Fay D. Flourite in Tsubasa: RESERVoir
CHRoNiCLE. He recently starred as Broly in the Dragon Ball Super: Broly
film currently in U.S. theaters.
--
Trump: A president so great that Democrats who said they would leave
America if he won decided to stay!
Trump: A president so great that Democrats who said they would leave
America if he won decided to stay!