As human beings, we have an obligation to protection our children from sexual predators, exposure to harmful content, and to put an end to pedophilia.

In 2009, Dan Harmon, co-creator of Rick and Morty, an adult-animated sitcom shown on Cartoon Network's late night block Adult Swim, released a graphic and disturbing video entitled "Daryl", in which Dan is depicted performing sexual intercourse with a baby doll- a simulation of the rape of a child. Dan said it was made as a parody of the pilot to the Showtime series Dexter, however he removed the video after he received backlash from viewers and child advocates alike. 

Adult Swim is the late night block from Cartoon Network, which features TV series and movies ranging from ratings TV-PG to TV-MA, including originals like Robot Chicken, The Boondocks, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Space Ghost Coast To Coast, and syndicated series like Family Guy, Dragon Ball Z, King of the Hill, and the Gundam franchise. Adult Swim airs every night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network, a time period that is generally not reserved for children's programming on most cable networks. The content featured on Adult Swim is absolutely not for children, and Adult Swim notes that before every broadcast with the following disclaimer: "Adult Swim may contain mature material some viewers may not find suitable". The content can include but is not limited to: coarse language, moderate to graphic violence, blood and gore, suggestive dialogue, mature humor, sexual content, brief nudity, and disturbing images. 

In 2018, Dan Harmon was accused of sexual harassment and misconduct by Megan Ganz while the two were working on the series Community. Harmon issued a public apology and Ganz issued a response forgiving Harmon.
A few months later, the video "Daryl" resurfaced on the internet, leading to more outrage from viewers and concerned parents. When asked about the video, Harmon released this statement on Twitter:

“In 2009, I made a “pilot” which strove to parody the series Dexter and only succeeded in offending. 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.”

Shortly after releasing that statement, Harmon deleted his Twitter account. 

In a statement of its own, Adult Swim distanced itself from the offensive content, saying that it “does not reflect the type of content we seek out.” The network stopped short of reprimanding Harmon, noting that he “recognized his mistake at the time and has apologized.” Below is the full statement from Adult Swim:

“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. 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.”

In 2020, the video resurfaced yet again. This time, viewers and parents are calling for Rick and Morty to be cancelled and taken off the air. While this may be the usual reaction, one thing must be understood: Dan Harmon may have co-created the series, but today he plays a very small role behind the scenes. We do not believe the other people involved in the production of this show should be punished for one person's destructive and repulsive conduct; that said, if Adult Swim should continue the series, it should be without Harmon's involvement whatsoever.

When the video "Daryl" was made and released, Harmon broke the law. This video, while simulated, is legally defined as child pornography and/or contents harmful to a minor and is a direct violation of federal laws including the Children's Internet Protection Act.

We support Adult Swim's devotion to freedom of art and freedom of speech. It is our right as Americans. We also respect their openness to forgiveness. But we cannot support anyone who would knowingly and willfully simulate sexual acts of any kind on a child for the mere purpose of "shock value". While Adult Swim makes every effort to warn all viewers of the content they're about to see, we also believe it is their responsibility to protect their viewers from harmful content such as "Daryl" and to evaluate all employees whose actions, past or present, do not represent the moral or professional values of the company, especially that of Cartoon Network, whose content is marketed to children of all ages during daytime hours.

We are requesting that AT&T, owners of Warner Media, LLC and its subdivisions Warner Bros. Entertainment, Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim release Dan Harmon from any and all contractual obligations and terminate his employment.