The TV network states that Harmon's old sketch demonstrates poor judgment and does not reflect the type of content they seek out.
- Jul 25, 2018
AceShowbiz - "Rick and Morty" co-creator Dan Harmon landed in hot water after "Daryl" offensive video sketch, which he produced in 2009, resurfaced online on July 23. Adult Swim, where "Rick and Morty" is airing, has released an official statement regarding the obscene old sketch.
"At Adult Swim, we seek out and encourage creative freedom and look to push the envelope in many ways, particularly around comedy. The offensive content of Dan's 2009 video that recently surfaced demonstrates poor judgement and does not reflect the type of content we seek out," the statement reads. "Dan recognized his mistake at the time and has apologized. He understands there is no place for this type of content here at Adult Swim."
Based on the network's statement above, they apparently wouldn't kick out Harmon from "Rick and Morty" production despite his vulgar sketch. It's certainly a relief for the popular series' fans and Harmon himself that the company only made it clear that such content was not welcomed on their television blocks.
After the offensive sketch caused controversy on social media, Harmon deleted his Twitter account before he issued an apology on July 24 and explained why he made the sketch. "In 2009, I made a 'pilot' which strove to parody the series 'Dexter' and only succeeded in offending," the 45-year-old writer said. "I quickly realized the content was way too distasteful and took the video down immediately. Nobody should ever have to see what you saw and for that, I sincerely apologize."
In Harmon's controversial sketch video which features pedophilia and rape jokes, he plays a therapist who tries to stop serial killers by traveling back in time where they were babies and sexually assaulting them. In one scene, he is seen breaking into a house and simulating sex with a plastic baby doll as the doll cries. "Daryl" premiered in 2009 during L.A. Short Films Festival on Channel 101.
