The recent news that Ren & Stimpy is being revived at Comedy Central wasn’t exactly greeted by unanimous joy. Many took to social media to condemn the decision. Some asked why old shows continue to be recycled when the industry is bursting with young talent. Others questioned the wisdom of bringing back a show created by an accused child abuser.
The reboot now has a notable critic in Robyn Byrd, who has accused John Kricfalusi, the creator of Ren & Stimpy, of abusing her when she was underage. Byrd has launched a petition calling for ViacomCBS to reverse course on the reboot. The petition has garnered more than 11,000 signatures so far.
Kricfalusi will not be creatively or financially involved in any reboot. Even so, Byrd argues that the show, if made, will “cause trauma and endanger fans and crew.” By placing the creator back in the spotlight, she writes, it will give him a platform to do more harm. “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.”