Ren & Stimpy creator John Kricfalusi has been accused of sexual abuse. The claims follow on from a long line of allegations made against major names in the creative industries, starting with the Harvey Weinstein scandal that began in October of last year. Since then, accusations have grown against the likes of Kevin Spacey, Aziz Ansari, and Louis C.K., as the Me Too and Time's Up movements help bring to light assault accusations that had otherwise been silenced.

Kricfalusi is the latest in the list of media icons to be accused of sexual assault. The animator was one of the strongest voices in 1990s animation, with Ren & Stimpy acting as one of the most well-known shows of the era in part due to its controversial style and characters. However, behind the scenes it is alleged that Kricfalusi was involved in predatory behavior and sexual abuse against underage fans, with cases now coming forward after years of fearing retribution.

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In a report from Buzzfeed, two women have shared their stories of abuse from Kricfalusi. Robyn Byrd and Katie Rice both allege that Kricfalusi pursued them as teenagers, with Byrd entering into a mentor-mentee relationship with the animator when she was 13 years old. Kricfalusi flew Byrd out to Los Angeles when she was 16, returning for a second trip as his girlfriend at the same age. Byrd moved in with the animator permanently aged 17, and lived with him until a temporary separation in 2000.

Rice also began a remote relationship with Kricfalusi as a teenager, writing to the creator when she was 14 regarding animation before corresponding with him over AOL. Rice states that Kricfalusi made sexual approaches towards her, and that he even performed sexual acts over the phone. Rice took a job at Kircfalusi's Spumco production company aged 18, and claims that she was sexually harassed by the animator. Rice also alleges that she found child pornography on Kricfalusi's computer, a story corroborated by an ex-girlfriend of the Ren & Stimpy creator.

Two colleagues of Kricfalusi also confirmed the stories of Byrd and Rice. Tony Mora and Gabe Swarr worked at Spumco, and stated that not only was the animator's relationship with Byrd in the open at his studio, but that stories of Kricfalusi's harassment of female artists and teenage girls were well-known by industry members. On top of that, Mora and Spumco coworker Derrick J. Wyatt allege that Kricfalusi showed them indecent images of Byrd whilst working for him.

The fact that these allegations were so well known shows how the power and persona of certain individuals can lead to the silencing of claims, as seen with other cases such as Bryan Singer and Max Landis. A statement from Kricfalusi's representatives admits to the animator having a relationship with a 16-year-old, also advising that during the time he was suffering from mental health issues. However, questions will need to be asked about why these allegations were not raised by those aware of them earlier.

More: Top Hollywood Stars Accused of Harassment

Source: Buzzfeed