If you grew up watching Nickelodeon cartoons, there’s a high chance that you’ll remember The Ren & Stimpy Show—a highly irreverent animated series that follows the misadventures of a sociopathic chihuahua and his dimwitted best friend.
It ran from August 1991 to October 1996, earning a cult following among kids and adults despite being widely criticized for its dark humor, sexual innuendos, and shock value.
One would think that recent news of its reboot would be met with delight and excitement. However, it seems this is not the case as an online petition to halt its production has just been launched and has already garnered more than 11,000 signatures!
Apparently, Ren & Stimpy‘s original creator, John Kricfalusi, is under fire for alleged child abuse after a woman named Robyn Byrd came forward with her story, accusing Kricfalusi of mistreating her while she was underaged. Byrd then launched the petition, arguing that the show can “cause trauma and endanger fans and crew” and give Kricfalusi the opportunity to do more harm to young people even if he isn’t directly involved with the reboot.
“This man used Ren & Stimpy to lure young people to his studio and into his confidence, only to abuse them, stunt their careers, and molest young girls. He WILL DO IT AGAIN,” she said.
Comedy Central announced that it picked up the classic cartoon for a remake on August 5, 2020. It has not been revealed when it will premiere and who will be involved, but it’s expected that Stimpy’s original voice actor, Billy West, and some of the original series writers will be making a return. It will be produced at Nickelodeon Animation Studio.
(ALSO READ: Will there be a ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ reboot?)
What are your thoughts on this? Share them in the comments below.
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