Aug 28, 2019
It’s time. #CancelCultureIsOverParty
Extreme Content Warning. This article will be discussing some very serious domestic violence. DO NOT CONTACT ANYONE NAMED IN THIS ARTICLE.
The time to bring an end to cancel culture, is here. After seeing a countless parade of people being brought in front of the court-of-public-opinion, and judgement being passed before any law court has stamped any papers, we are finally seeing the dark side of what this type of culture enables.
As I write this, I am still in shock from the documents that I have been made aware of.
Some are aware of a lawsuit on-going in the anime community; for those who may not be aware, there is a voice actor (Vic Mignogna) that has filed a lawsuit against Funimation LLC, Monica Rial, Ronald Toye III and Jamie Marchi — in part for allegedly making defamatory statements, and committing tortuous interference with Vic Mignona’s contracts and prospective business relations.
This lawsuit is being heard in a court of law, however it has already been largely settled in a court of public opinion, in-part by #CancelCulture.
But this article is not going to be about that.
Since the beginning, the consistency of the allegations against Vic Mignogna have been questioned. There have been new details, and changing details and affidavits that contradict claims made by the defendants.
Today is the first day that we may have some insight as to why, and this is the most important reason as to why we need to end #CancelCulture.
Ron Toye III has been an outspoken feminist, and vocal advocate for not only his fiancée Monica Rial, but also has been a staunch supporter for defending the women that he alleges Vic has behaved inappropriately with.
Ron has also un-ironically referred to himself as “the sheepdog that protects” the sheep, during his deposition in the on-going lawsuit.
These are important distinctions that need to be made, to understand the gravity of this situation.
Ron has asserted that he has acted the way he did on twitter (Such as making nearly 400 disparaging tweets about Vic Mignogna and/or his fans and supporters) because he was intent on protecting Monica and other women who could have “potentially be harmed.”
When we create a movement, with honest intent, it can be incredibly powerful and effective in ushering in change. It gives those who have been abused a shelter and a strong system of support; it gives those who are in pain a perceived safer place to heal.
This is why this next portion scared me the most.
As told on Nick Rekieta’s YouTube live-stream on 8/28/2019, it was revealed that the result of the petitioner’s (Ron’s now ex-wife) request was that all of her requests for restrain were granted, following a hearing.
The other part that gave me chills reading this, was that it clarified the inconsistencies of Monica Rial’s testimony, and seemed to give a reason as to why her recollections of events continue to change and get more grandiose with each re-telling.
There has been no response from Ron or Monica since this document was released to the public, and I will not go so far as to speculate as to the state of their relationship.
EDIT: Monica has come out and denied any allegations that Ron has been abusive towards her, and further going on to say that Ron “went to counseling & invested in his emotional intelligence”. She has also gone on to state “we both made mistakes, and chosen wrong partners in the past.” The reader can draw their own conclusions from this — to this author, however, it sounds like she is blaming the victim of abuse.
Important to note: Once again, nothing has been stated from Ron Toye in this matter, publicly.
It did however, give me reason to speculate that Monica is operating out of fear; having been in/seen abusive situations, it does not appear to be beyond a doubt that something could be going on.
More food for thought, during Monica Rial’s deposition, Ron Toye was present in the room for her deposition.
#CancelCulture, while giving a space for those who need that support after being made to be vulnerable, also give a space for manipulative wolves to hide as well.
Willfully throwing away the judicial process for the convenience of instant gratification, is a dangerous wire to walk.
In this instance we have someone with a history of violence towards women, cloaking himself and potentially directing a movement, and potentially having access to relapse into his history of abuse, all the while making allegations of a list of prominent influencers in an industry where his fiancée is employed.
It is time that we start to take personal responsibility. As a survivor of abuse, we need to ensure that we don’t let these people steal our freedom again.
This goes out to all of those who may be in an actively abusive relationship, or who may still be healing from one:
You are never deserving of the abuse. Do not think for a second that you did anything to deserve being abused, mentally or physically. You deserve to be loved.
This is another reason as to why it is so important to speak up, and bring these things to the authorities. There are so many help lines available to each and every corner of globe and no matter what the threats, help is out there.
It is time we stand with each other, it is time we start asking the hard questions. It is time for each and every one of us to stand up against this. It starts with me, it starts with you.
It’s time. #CancelCultureIsOver. The time for the next movement to rise up is now. It’s time to fight for justice, not fight each other.
#AllRise.
