Crunchyroll Reasons To Stop Anime Streaming Service In Russia
JAKARTA - Crunchyroll took a stand against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The streaming service company finally stopped all services indefinitely.
This follows parent company Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) suspending all operations in Russia. The move will also terminate all TV distribution deals in the country.
"We support the many businesses around the world who have now ceased their business operations in Russia, and to support the humanitarian efforts currently underway in Ukraine and the surrounding region," SPE CEO, Tony Vinciquerra, said in an email to employees quoted by Variety on Sunday, March 13.
Sony, which owns the anime streaming service Funimation, bought Crunchyroll last August and later announced that it would combine the two services into a process that is already underway.
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As ComicBook.com found, Russia's Crunchyroll website says it's "forced to suspend its work in Russia," and notes that users won't be charged for their subscriptions when the service goes dark in the country. Funimation is no longer available in Russia.
Sony pulled Morbius and other upcoming theatrical releases from Russia last month, with Sony's PlayStation suspending all sales and shipments to the country earlier this week. Sony's music division announced that it was closing its Russian operations on Thursday.