Anime: an harasser bits the dust

[nita]

Sunday morning, tooling around on the internet, I discovered the big controversy roiling in anime fandom.  Anime is having what you might call a #metoo moment.  And it’s probably long overdue.

What happened?  Well, one of the biggest names in anime voice acting, Vic Mignogna, was dropped from the biggest anime company in North America, Funimation, over allegations of sexual harassment.  Funimation announced that they will not engage him in any future productions.  Another production company, Rooster’s Teeth has dropped him from their own popular series RWBY.  If you aren’t into anime, you might not know the name Vic Mignogna, but as one story I read phrased it, “you could throw a dart at a list of English-dubbed anime and you'd most likely hit one that Mignogna has done a voice on".  He voiced the lead role in Full Metal Alchemist, one of the best anime series ever made and one of the most popular.  He also has a large fan following.  So, yeah, his getting dumped is a big deal in the anime community.

It’s both a surprise and not a surprise.  A surprise that the companies took action, but not a surprise that he was the one. 

I’ve been an anime fan for a long, long time but only moderately involved in the fan community, but even I have heard rumors about his behavior for, I guess, close to 20 years.  I’ve heard about him giving unwanted touches, hugs and kisses to underage fans.  I’ve noted comments from various voice actresses that hinted at his harassment.  I even recall a personal conversation with one voice actress that included mention of it.  The point being that his behavior has been known and discussed amongst the anime community for some time.

The stories about him aren’t just limited to sexual harassment.  There are also stories about him being rude and possibly homophobic.  And he has a rep for offensive behavior to non-Christians. Yes, Mignogna says he is a committed Christian (and hawks his CD of Christian music). 

I’ve heard enough about him over the years that I thought it was pretty much common knowledge that he was an asshole.

So, over the last month Funimation did an investigation into the allegations.  The end result was that they decided that they would no longer use him on any future anime dubs.  Call me cynical, but I suspect these companies acted was not because of the complaints from voice actresses.  I suspect it is because much of his behavior involved underage fans.  While there are plenty of older anime fans (like me), the reality is that the younger fans are the bread and butter market for anime companies.  His behavior with the young fans is a liability…and potentially a lawsuit waiting to happen.  

Currently, his former fiancée is now encouraging victims to come forward and speak up.  Other voice actresses are also speaking up.  One good thing to come out of this is that a number of men - voice actors and others - are voicing their support for their female colleagues.   

He normally makes appearances at about thirty anime conventions at year.  Not this year.  Since Funimation’s announcement, all but one of the conventions have withdrawn his invitation.  Unfortunately, the one that still has him is Anime Matsturi, which is the big one in my city.  (We have another annual anime con that is much smaller.)  Interesting that of all the cons, Anime Matsuri is still committed to him.  You see that particular convention has its own unsavory history, from how it was founded to allegations of harassment.  I don't go to it because of it's history and because it is too damn big.   I prefer the other smaller con in town, Delta H Con.

Of course, there is the predictable backlash from the fan boys.  I could tick off their "arguments" and what's wrong with them, but maybe in another post.  Or maybe not.  It's pretty easy to dismiss most of it.  But for now, enough.

If you want to read about Mignonga story:

Anime Voice Actor Vic Mignogna Accused of Sexual Harassment

Far from perfect  - fans recount unwanted affection from Vic Mignogna

Newsweek - Vic Mignogna allegations

One of anime's biggest voices accused of sexual harassment

And about Anime Matsuri:
The con: Anime Matsuri is growing and so is the list of people unhappy with it