Funimation Cuts Ties With Vic Mignogna After Sexual Harassment Allegations
Funimation Entertainment has cut ties with the popular anime voice actor Vic Mignogna, following an internal investigation into historic allegations of inappropriate conduct, the anime distributor announced on Twitter this evening.
Everyone, we wanted to give you an update on the Vic Mignogna situation. Following an investigation, Funimation recast Vic Mignogna in Morose Mononokean Season 2. Funimation will not be engaging Mignogna in future productions. Part of our core mission is to celebrate the diversity of the anime community and to share our love for this genre and its positive impact on all. We do not condone any kind of harassment or threatening behavior being directed at anyone.
The voice actor and musician, who is known for his lead roles in the English-language dubs of Fullmetal Alchemist and Dragon Ball Super: Broly amongst others, was recently the subject of an Anime News Network investigation into allegations including kissing underage fans without their consent, and sharing his personal phone number with a minor. In the days following the report, a number of voice actors and industry professionals affiliated with Funimation have shared their own experiences with Vic Mignogna, including Jamie Marchi and Monica Rial.
On 21st January 2019, Vic Mignogna released a statement on Twitter denying the allegations, before his account went quiet until 8th February, when he posted a tweet calling on his fans to stop sending abuse and threats to those who have come forward.
Previously, Rooster Teeth recast Mignogna’s role in the animated series RWBY, and the actor was replaced in Funimation’s simuldub of The Morose Mononokean II.
Anime UK News stands in solidarity with all victims of sexual harassment and assault, and strongly condemn anyone who attempts to threaten or intimidate those brave enough to come forward. If you have been affected by issues like those raised in this article, there are a number of charities you can reach out to in confidence, like Victim Support and Rape Crisis.
