Dan Harmon, the creator behind Community and co-creator of Rick and Morty, has declared that his goal for 2018 is to be “not as much of an asshole”—and he’s starting with an apology to a former colleague.
Harmon previously acknowledged his own toxic behavior on his podcast Harmontown and in the 2014 documentary of the same name. While he has taken steps this year to support and defend female writers on Rick and Morty from misogynistic attacks online, Harmon was quick to admit to treating former Community writer Megan Ganz like “garbage” when she pressed him on his New Year’s resolution.
What followed was a candid conversation that illustrates the enduring pain of workplace harassment. While similar stories have surfaced throughout the era of #MeToo, it’s rare to see conversations between abusers and victims play out in public view.
Ganz’s honest and clear-eyed assessment is important, especially when it comes to understanding damage done by workplace harassers. Harmon’s terrible choices caused Ganz years of hardship, and that’s not something even the most heartfelt apology can fix.
