Ren & Stimpy creator John Kricfalusi accused of sexually exploiting girls

[Hmmm nice bike]

From The A.V. Club...

 

 

In an extensive report from BuzzFeed, cartoonist John Kricfalusi—the creator of iconic Nickelodeon series Ren & Stimpy—has been accused of sexually exploiting teenage girls, promising them careers in animation at his studio Spumco while allegedly grooming them for sexual relationships. One of the women, Robyn Byrd, says it all began in 1994 when she was only 13, after she sent Kricfalusi a video of herself talking about how she wanted a career in animation and how important Ren & Stimpy was to her. Kricfalusi, who was 39 at the time, responded by sending her packages of toys and art supplies, and eventually he helped her set up an AOL account so they could communicate more regularly.

 

He was also apparently in possession of child pornography. Even with some of the f*cked up stuff this guy has animated before, as well as the fact that he's known for being an asshole, I think it's still pretty shocking. As someone who watched Ren & Stimpy when I was younger, it's also disappointing, and I'd imagine it's even moreso for people who were big fans of that show and this guy's work. Trying to take advantage of young fans and promising them careers is nothing short of a piece of sh*t thing to do. The BuzzFeed piece that this originated from is a pretty interesting read, too, and it contains a load of pictures that prove that Kricfalusi did indeed know these girls, plus interviews with others who worked with him and were well aware of the creepy and weird sh*t this guy was up to (and of course, nothing was done to stop it).

[feckyerlife]

as someone who watched Ren and Stimpy im not surprised. That was one weird and creepy show

[Hmmm nice bike]

That was one weird and creepy show

He and one of his accusers, Katie Rice, were also the makers of

for Weird Al Yankovic. This would have been made around the time that he was threatening to rape her, and it now it just looks even worse.

 

Actually, having found this video now, too, it's not all that surprising anymore. I guess I'm just surprised that he's gotten away with overtly being a weirdo for this long. Should have been f*cking obvious.

 

Should have been a big red flag that he was specifically seeking out the younger girls who were fans of Ren & Stimpy to work for him and sending them weird sh*t in the mail.

[Typhus]

It's sad, because using his position he really could have helped out these young people and tried to give them the same breaks he had. I don't understand the mentality of someone who could use a young person's enthusiasm and willingness to learn and take advantage of it like this.

[feckyerlife]

i guess it all wasnt happy happy joy joy

[Leftist Bastard]

It's sad, because using his position he really could have helped out these young people and tried to give them the same breaks he had. I don't understand the mentality of someone who could use a young person's enthusiasm and willingness to learn and take advantage of it like this.

Influence and wealth bring out the best and worst in people depending on who you are. For most it's a vehicle to finally realize all their sick fantasies,

[Eutyphro]

You can say a lot about the #metoo movement, but it's also doing a lot of good. It's pretty good that sh*t like this is getting exposed.

[Naughtius Maximus]

Well, I have never been that enthusiastic about Ren and Stimpy, but I've always respected the show in terms of how it managed to push the limits of craziness... and to talk about that, Ren and Stimpy is one f*cked-up show. I remember seeing from here and there (on the Internet, of course), the guy behind the show is pretty f*cked up in the head as well. With all the details of this incident out, I think we can easily say that this is far away from being just a farce.

 

First of all, John K. is a big, manipulative sicko butthole for abusing his prestige, pretending to be an up-and-comer friendly comedy face to these two girls, only shattering their dreams and ambitions in the end. And here comes the BUT. In this Byrd chick's case, it seems like she ended up letting herself into this mess. Okay, John is the main culprit, of course but she could have taken the control of the situation before it went out of hand. I understand that her young age was a factor as well, however, this solely should not be up to blame for her being a victim in the end. I can't be the fair judge obviously because when childhood enters the picture, whole thing becomes confusing. But what I am trying to say is people of her then-age can be actually pretty smart and rational when they are to be. Shame that they were so naive to think that the their only big shot would be through this piece of crap. Maybe I guess that it ain't for nothing when they say "Everything in its time".

 

Well, here we've come to that again: Obsession of deifying celebrities. Actually doesn't come out as shock that he did wave the flag as a false hip image crusader for an entire generation of teenages and he's actually out there to chase their skirts. Classic Hollywood type of sh*t for ya'.

Edited March 31, 2018 by Rebel Yell

[Dbzk1999]

i guess it all wasnt happy happy joy joy

There you go, was waiting to see someone make a post like this

[Laura91]

Damn. That's f*cked up. John K always came across as an asshole in interviews. So, I always thought that he was a douche anyway.

 

Ren & Stimpy? Meh. I enjoyed the original show in my teens. But, it's not aged well for me.

 

But, having said all of that. Even if I worshipped that dude and his work, I will still call him a complete piece of sh*t for being a pedophile. That's f*cked up sh*t, dude.

[Leftist Bastard]

Well, I have never been that enthusiastic about Ren and Stimpy, but I've always respected the show in terms of how it managed to push the limits of craziness... and to talk about that, Ren and Stimpy is one f*cked-up show. I remember seeing from here and there (on the Internet, of course), the guy behind the show is pretty f*cked up in the head as well. With all the details of this incident out, I think we can easily say that this is far away from being just a farce.

 

First of all, John K. is a big, manipulative sicko butthole for abusing his prestige, pretending to be an up-and-comer friendly comedy face to these two girls, only shattering their dreams and ambitions in the end. And here comes the BUT. In this Byrd chick's case, it seems like she ended up letting herself into this mess. Okay, John is the main culprit, of course but she could have taken the control of the situation before it went out of hand. I understand that her young age was a factor as well, however, this solely should not be up to blame for her being a victim in the end. I can't be the fair judge obviously because when childhood enters the picture, whole thing becomes confusing. But what I am trying to say is people of her then-age can be actually pretty smart and rational when they are to be. Shame that they were so naive to think that the their only big shot would be through this piece of crap. Maybe I guess that it ain't for nothing when they say "Everything in its time".

 

Well, here we've come to that again: Obsession of deifying celebrities. Actually doesn't come out as shock that he did wave the flag as a false hip image crusader for an entire generation of teenages and he's actually out there to chase their skirts. Classic Hollywood type of sh*t for ya'.

This is an absolutely ridiculous narrative.

[Femme Fatale]

Yeah, I'm not surprised either.

[Ivan1997GTA]

Well, I wasn't very surprised at this, especially after the Chris Savino sexual harassment fiasco back in fall of 2017. Coincidentally, Chris Savino worked on the Ren and Stimpy Show back in the 90's, and shares some things in common with John K, notably that they were both fired during the airing of the second seasons of their respective shows, and were both accused of sexual harassment, but Savino, in my opinion, seems to be less of an asshole than John K., and he at least apologized after the accusations caught up and he was fired from Nickelodeon.

To quote Mr. Horse from "Ren Seeks Help" (an episode that I deeply despise): YOU'RE F*CKING CRAZY!!! (I'm referring to John K., of course)

[darthYENIK]

Big fan of Ren and Stimpy, and Im not surprised. Everyone who worked on the show calls him a genius, but also says hes not a great person. I am pretty sure I remember some of the main guys that took over after he was fired talking about his odd relationship with the young girls he would employ. I thought they were joking, but really, hindsight being 20/20, they just were speaking the truth.

 

Plus, wasnt there a real creepy segment on the show where a young fan of the show was animated into it, and they made her do some cringy things?

[Lock n' Stock]

Sh*t, they're all coming out of the woodwork these days. This thankfully doesn't break my heart since I never grew up on R&S, though it does make me fearful that some cartoonist who I DO greatly admire will be accused of being a nonce. Only time will tell I suppose.

Edited April 8, 2018 by Lock N' Stock

[Hmmm nice bike]

Sh*t, they're all coming out of the woodwork these days. This thankfully doesn't break my heart since I never grew up on R&S, though it does make me fearful that some cartoonist who I DO greatly admire will be accused of being a nonce. Only time will tell I suppose.

What ever happened with John Lasseter? I know he left Pixar 6 months ago (and he should be returning sometime this month provided that his leave wasn't going to be permanent from the get-go) due to the allegations of misconduct and some other weird stuff. I'm a much bigger fan of Pixar and loved their stuff growing up way more than anything on Nickelodeon or by John K., and when I first heard about him being weird around women who worked there, I found that even more disappointing.

[Lock n' Stock]

What ever happened with John Lasseter? I know he left Pixar 6 months ago (and he should be returning sometime this month provided that his leave wasn't going to be permanent from the get-go) due to the allegations of misconduct and some other weird stuff. I'm a much bigger fan of Pixar and loved their stuff growing up way more than anything on Nickelodeon or by John K., and when I first heard about him being weird around women who worked there, I found that even more disappointing.

Lasseter was a tough one for me as well, considering how long I've admired Pixar and their work. As far as I know, there's been no actual sexual abuse involved, though reportably there were instances where he'd get a bit creepy with female employees which involved overlong hugs and leg stroking, I think some unwanted kissing as well. I'd hate for some further reports to come out saying that it goes beyond that.

 

Obviously the guy isn't near the level of some fat pig like Weinstein, but it's still dissapointing stuff when you consider his influence in the animation industry. He clearly has some issues that need sorting out.

Edited April 8, 2018 by Lock N' Stock

[Hmmm nice bike]

Lasseter was a tough one for me as well, considering how long I've admired Pixar and their work. As far as I know, there's been no actual sexual abuse involved, though reportably there were instances where he'd get a bit creepy with female employees which involved overlong hugs and leg stroking, I think some unwanted kissing as well. I'd hate for some further reports to come out saying that it goes beyond that.

 

 

Obviously the guy isn't near the level of some fat pig like Weinstein, but it's still dissapointing stuff when you consider his influence in the animation industry. He clearly has some issues that need sorting out.

I really hope it doesn't go beyond that, either. Forcing himself onto women like that is bad enough and it shouldn't be acceptable anywhere, but John K and Weinstein did even worse stuff and their names and companies are now synonymous with outright abuse. At least I can still watch a Pixar movie and not have a scandal there in the back of my mind while watching.

 

Also, an update on John K., looks like he sent really creepy and violent threats to one of his accusers/victims the other day under the name "JimmySpumko," and then signing off with "John" before continuing to send her messages. More than likely it was him, since his lawyers are now mad that she posted these (and they're probably even more mad at him for making it obvious that it was him, this isn't gonna help if it goes to court). This dude has serious f*cking problems.

[Lock n' Stock]

Also, an update on John K., looks like he sent really creepy and violent threats to one of his accusers/victims the other day under the name "JimmySpumko," and then signing off with "John" before continuing to send her messages. More than likely it was him, since his lawyers are now mad that she posted these (and they're probably even more mad at him for making it obvious that it was him, this isn't gonna help if it goes to court). This dude has serious f*cking problems.

Holy sh*t! If that is actually him, what a vile human being. It's completely over for this guy now.

Edited April 8, 2018 by Lock N' Stock

[Lock n' Stock]

Sorry to double-post, but this video goes into good detail about his behaviour, and how he always used to slander rival cartoons (like Animaniacs) under pseudonyms.

 

 

 

Seriously, I'm sure Ren & Stimpy was a fine show in it's day, but this guy is just a c*nt. He makes me ashamed to be an aspiring cartoonist.

[Hmmm nice bike]

Seriously, I'm sure Ren & Stimpy was a fine show in it's day, but this guy is just a c*nt. He makes me ashamed to be an aspiring cartoonist.

Thanks for sharing that video. I've heard countless times that Kricfalusi does not know the meaning of deadlines (and this was part of how he got fired from his own f*cking show), so those "horrible delays" were probably just him being lazy, but that's probably the least bad thing about him. I read from someone who was a former fan that was personally banned by the guy from his website that on his old forums, he'd argue with random people and ban them just for having a different opinion regarding certain cartoons (Animaniacs being the one that pissed him off the most for some reason, and unlike his hate for The Simpsons, he clearly never got over it) and other topics. He was fine with being an asshole to whoever, even with using his real name on his forums. Little wonder why he kept getting turned down by most major companies for shows and projects. Even if a lot of this stuff wasn't all publicly known at the time, people within the industry were more than aware that he was a jagoff. I wouldn't be ashamed because of the guy though, there's plenty more cartoonists and people in animation who are brilliant and not like him at all in terms of their personality, but I definitely wouldn't cite him as an inspiration.

Edited April 9, 2018 by Hmmm nice bike

[Lock n' Stock]

I wouldn't be ashamed because of the guy though, there's plenty more cartoonists and people in animation who are brilliant and not like him at all in terms of their personality, but I definitely wouldn't cite him as an inspiration.

Oh don't worry, I wouldn't. I've grown up on all sorts of cartoons (old theatrical shorts, Hanna-Barbara, Disney, CN/Nick e.g) so I have more than enough people in the industry to look up to and take inspiration from. Says alot about him when he was a dick even to his own fans, merely just for having a different opinion. First-class bellend.