In late October, David Wald, a seasoned anime voice actor and director, made serious accusations against Crunchyroll, a popular streaming service. Wald claimed that Crunchyroll had invaded his privacy by opening his personal mail, discarding his letters, and taking gifts sent by fans for themselves. Despite Crunchyroll’s initial response of launching an investigation into the matter, Wald remained adamant in his claims.
Taking to social media, Wald announced his departure from his role as Gajeel in Fairy Tail and revealed his decision to sever all professional ties with Crunchyroll. He expressed his intention to expose the numerous abuses he allegedly faced at the hands of the company. Wald urged his followers to stay tuned for further revelations on his Twitch channel.
Responding to inquiries from fans, Wald affirmed that he would no longer collaborate with Crunchyroll, emphasizing the need to end the cycle of abuse. When questioned about the availability of a detailed list of grievances online, Wald assured his followers that it would soon be accessible.
Wald’s statements echoed previous allegations of mistreatment by voice actors associated with Crunchyroll. Other instances, such as Kyle McCarley’s replacement in Mob Psycho 100 following a plea for Crunchyroll to engage with the SAG-AFTRA union, further highlighted the contentious relationship between the company and its talent pool. Additionally, there were claims of Crunchyroll impeding actors from seeking alternative opportunities.
The brewing controversy surrounding Crunchyroll’s alleged abusive practices has once again brought to light the challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry. Wald’s decision to speak out against the mistreatment he experienced signifies a growing call for accountability and transparency within the anime community.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for stakeholders to address the underlying issues and work towards fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for all involved parties.
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