The voice actors legal fight is apparently backed by a GoFundMe warchest, which has reached almost $250,000 since Minnesota lawyer Nick Rekieta opened it in February.
But even that large a sum may not cover all the costs. Next up for the court is to sort out attorneys fees which could total up to half a million dollars given the multiple defendants and their legal representation and mandatory sanctions.
Mignogna has provided the English-language voice for hundreds of animated shows, films and games created in Japan. Hes long been among the most popular actors at conventions across the nation that allow fans of the genre to meet their heroes.
His lawsuit named Funimation, voice actors Jamie Marchi and Monica Rial, and Rial's fianc, Ron Toye. The lawsuit painted the company and three individuals as a band of conspirators leading the charge to ruin Mignognas career. In response, those accused have maintained that the legal action is aimed at unjustly silencing them
Marchi, Rial and Toye were among the scores of anim talent and fans who, beginning early this year, tweeted critically about the actor's behavior. Rial alleged that Mignogna grabbed her in a hotel room and forcibly kissed her without her consent at an anime convention in 2007. Marchi accused him of violently pulling her hair in a tense office encounter.
Funimation, a Flower Mound-based company owned by Sony Pictures Television that dubs and distributes anim, announced in February that it had severed ties with Mignogna. Funimations statement included few specifics about the voice actor but said, We do not condone any kind of harassment or threatening behavior.
At the Sept. 6 hearing, Chupp dismissed all claims against Marchi, all except defamation against Funimation and all except defamation and conspiracy against Rial and Toye.
His Friday order ended those remaining claims. Whether it ends the ugly social media warfare is far less likely.