Dragon Ball voice actor Chris Sabat has released a statement denying the allegations that he influenced casting decisions at Funimation based on the willingness of a voice actress to engage in sexual relations with employees.
Sabat was first accused of firing voice actresses who would not accept the sexual advances of Funimation employees (including himself) and promising roles to those who would in an affidavit submitted by fellow Dragon Ball voice actor Chuck Huber, who provides the voice of Android 17, as part of the ongoing lawsuit brought by Vic Migogna against Funimation, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial and Ron Toye.
In the affidavit, Huber states that he believes these actions occurred based on “rumors” he found “credible based on [his] experience working at Funimation and from direct messages received from a former DBZ cast member.”
Related: Leaked Audio of Dragon Ball Voice Actors ‘Edgy Humor’ Recordings Sparks Controversy
In a statement provided to Anime News Network, Sabat vehemently denies these allegations:
“The recent allegations of sexual misconduct at Funimation and OkraTron 5000 are deeply disturbing and completely without merit. These libelous statements are based on groundless rumors and are meant to defame me and my company. Never in my career spanning two decades did I ever witness or participate in such conduct.”
This is the first public statement released by Sabat since going silent on social media following the recent Funimation audio leaks, which revealed the behind-the-scenes ‘adult’ humor the cast of Dragon Ball enjoyed while in character.
What do you make of Sabat’s response to the accusations?