Voice Actor David Wald Steps Down from ‘Fairy Tail’ Amid Allegations Against Crunchyroll
David Wald, known for voicing Gajeel in the acclaimed anime series Fairy Tail, has made the significant decision to part ways with the franchise. His announcement, delivered through social media platform X (formerly Twitter), cites “alleged abuses”by Crunchyroll as the primary reason for this stance.
A Beloved Character and His Voice
Wald has brought the character Gajeel—a formidable rival to the protagonist Natsu— to life since 2012. His work continued this year with the sequel series Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest, but recent events have altered the trajectory of his involvement.
Wald’s Allegations and Departure
In a recent tweet, Wald rejected the opportunity to continue voicing Gajeel, stating, “I am not returning to the @Crunchyroll studio. Their abuses are FAR too numerous to list here.” He has hinted at sharing further details about his grievances in due time.
Friends, I am not returning to #Gajeel in #FairyTail. I am not returning to the @Crunchyroll studio. Their abuses are FAR too numerous to list here. But soon, I will tell you all of them, and I will do that here: https://t.co/aopGIjHTln Stay tuned.
— David Wald (@DavidWald_VA) November 11, 2024
Ongoing Dispute Over Fan Mail
This announcement is part of a larger conflict between Wald and Crunchyroll. The actor recently revealed that Crunchyroll allegedly opened and distributed fan mail addressed to him, removing personal items without permission. On October 25, he shared concerns about this breach of privacy with his followers:
Dear friends: if you sent me anything care of Funimation or Crunchyroll in the last 5 years, I apologize, I didn’t get it. I learned yesterday that Crunchyroll opened my private mail, threw away your letters, and passed out any included items to their staff.
— David Wald (@DavidWald_VA) October 25,
In his message, Wald also included a photo of the intercepted package and urged anyone who received items from it to return them.
Lack of Communication from Crunchyroll
Wald expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of response from Crunchyroll regarding the situation, stating, “No apology, no commitment to recover items… nothing.” He mentioned the possibility of pursuing this issue further, promising to reveal more about the alleged mistreatment he experienced.
Crunchyroll’s Response
Crunchyroll addressed the allegations on October 29, stating they are “currently investigating”the claims regarding undelivered fan mail and underscored their respect for the privacy of voice actors. They maintain that fan mail should be sent directly to talent and their management rather than addressed to the studio.
Wald’s Counterclaims and Future Plans
Wald quickly countered Crunchyroll’s statement, asserting that such directives were a “brand new policy” contradicting past protocols where fan mail was encouraged to be sent to the studio. He indicated that this problem may have persisted since before the release of SK8 The Infinity in 2021.
As of November 11, Wald reaffirmed his decision to sever professional ties with Crunchyroll, asserting, “I’m ending any professional relationship with them. It’s possible you may hear me in other titles on their service, but those will be titles recorded at another studio.” His commitment to vocalizing these issues indicates a broader concern about industry practices and actor welfare.
Looking Forward
Both Wald and Crunchyroll have been contacted for further comments on this evolving situation. Updates will be provided as new information emerges, spotlighting the importance of transparency and respect in the animation industry.
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