Ashley Johnson, voice of Ellie from “The Last of Us” video games, and — more importantly — Pike on the popular TTRPG series “Critical Role” (both animated and live), has filed a sexual violence lawsuit against ex-boyfriend and former co-star, Brian Foster. The lawsuit accusations are a list of progressively more horrific behaviors. Johnson, as well as six other female members of “Critical Role” team, alleging sexual and physical abuse from Foster.
The lawsuit was submitted October 3rd. It accuses Foster of domestic violence, sexual battery, assault, stalking, civil rights violations, gender violence, and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. After moving in with Johnson, Foster allegedly became increasingly aggressive. He allegedly used violence, intimidation, and coercion to keep Johnson quiet while also allegedly abusing several other women.
Bryan Freedman, representative of Johnson and the other six clients, released a statement. Stating the lawsuit was filed to staunch the flow of violence from Foster, “to both remedy the abuse Foster has inflicted on my seven clients as well as to prevent others from being victimized by Foster’s pattern of mental, emotional and physical abuse.”
Johnson’s accusations, specifically, claim Foster threatened to extort her. Threatening to release personal information if Johnson didn’t pay him $150,000. He allegedly proceeded to carry around airsoft guns and a garotte after the two split up. Foster even went so far as to threaten and assault Johnson’s sister, Haylie Langseth. He also allegedly threatened to harm Johnson if she said anything.
Since the suit came to light, a spokesperson for Critical Role has issued at statement to THR:
“We are aware of the civil complaint that includes disturbing details about the alleged behavior of one of our ex-employees, Brian W. Foster. While we can’t get into the specifics of the lawsuit, we want to make it clear that we had no knowledge of any of his alleged behavior. It is heartbreaking to us that some of our colleagues went through this, and we’re committed to supporting them however we can. We are working with our HR team and our staff directly to ensure our workplace and culture live up to all of our expectations.”
