In a move that left many anime fans stunned, Colombian reggaeton superstar J Balvin made an unexpected voice cameo in the English dub of Solo Leveling , portraying a minor villain. The brief appearance was meant to be a surprise marketing twist, but instead, it drew fierce criticism from viewers who described the performance as “awkward,” “emotionally flat,” and “the worst dub moment of the year.”
According to Screen Rant , Balvin’s role was limited to one episode, where he voiced a cocky guild member in a minor fight scene. However, the mismatched tone of his delivery and an unnatural reading of lines became a lightning rod for backlash. Fans flooded social media with complaints, questioning why a music star with no acting experience was cast in a professional anime dub.
Fans Slam Crunchyroll for “Gimmicky” Casting
Aharen-san is Indecipherable (Credits: Crunchyroll)
Anime purists and casual viewers alike have called out Crunchyroll for what they describe as a “gimmick-driven” approach to localization. While celebrity cameos are common in Hollywood animated films, they remain rare and risky in anime dubs. Viewers noted that Balvin’s flat delivery broke immersion in one of Solo Leveling ’s most intense early scenes.
Memes mocking the dub spread quickly, with clips of the scene circulating on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). Some fans likened the performance to a “bad high school play,” while others posted side-by-side comparisons with the original Japanese version to show the stark quality gap. One viral tweet said, “Crunchyroll made me turn on subs just to avoid J Balvin’s voice. Please never do this again.”
Community Debates Celebrity Crossovers in Anime
Trigun (Credits: Crunchyroll)
Not everyone condemned the appearance. A small segment of fans defended Crunchyroll, arguing that cross-industry collaborations could help introduce anime to new audiences. They pointed out that Solo Leveling already enjoys global appeal, especially in Latin America, where Balvin’s star power could attract nontraditional viewers.
However, this defense didn’t hold up against the wave of backlash. Most critics agreed that if celebrities are to be included in dubs, they must meet the same standards expected of voice professionals. The incident has revived the old debate about whether anime dubs should prioritize accessibility, artistic fidelity, or marketing reach.
Crunchyroll Yet to Respond, but Pressure Mounts
Dorohedoro (Credits: Crunchyroll)
As of now, neither J Balvin nor Crunchyroll has issued a public statement regarding the criticism. Fans have urged the company to address the situation and re-affirm its commitment to quality dubbing. Some are even petitioning for the cameo episode to be redubbed with a professional VA.
This controversy may force anime distributors to rethink celebrity tie-ins. While big names can draw headlines, anime fans have made it clear that poorly delivered performances—even in cameo roles—can erode trust in a dub’s integrity.
A former Crunchyroll employee has come forward with damning allegations, claiming the anime streaming giant fostered a “toxic” workplace rife with emotional abuse and manipulation. In a report by ComicBook.com , the whistleblower details how they were allegedly mistreated, marginalized, and pressured to sign a non-disclosure agreement in exchange for severance pay.
The anonymous ex-staffer describes a culture where emotional manipulation was rampant, diversity was performative, and accountability was nonexistent. They claim that once they voiced concerns to HR, they were retaliated against and eventually forced out—then presented with a legal document offering severance only if they agreed never to speak out publicly.
Online Community Demands Accountability
7Fates: Chakho
As the allegations surfaced, anime fans and industry professionals flooded social media with calls for an internal investigation and transparency. Many shared similar experiences, stating that Crunchyroll has long been accused of ignoring employee well-being. Hashtags like “#CrunchyrollExposed” and “#BoycottCrunchyroll” began trending, with users demanding better protections for workers in the anime industry.
On Reddit, current and former employees chimed in, anonymously corroborating parts of the whistleblower’s story. Some described a corporate culture where creative passion was stifled by management with little regard for staff morale. Others mentioned high turnover and burnout rates, calling it an “open secret” within the company.
Crunchyroll’s Response Faces Scrutiny
The Irregular At Magic High School
Crunchyroll has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the accusations. However, internal sources say damage control is already underway, with HR departments reportedly conducting quiet outreach to employees. Critics argue that without an independent investigation, any internal review is unlikely to lead to meaningful change.
Some have drawn comparisons to similar scandals in the gaming and tech industries, where companies attempted to silence whistleblowers with NDAs and legal pressure. Activists are now urging affected employees to seek legal support and publicly share their stories to pressure the company into accountability.
A Reckoning for the Anime Streaming Giant?
Twin Star Exorcists
The controversy comes at a time when Crunchyroll is facing increasing scrutiny over its business practices, from voice actor pay disputes to licensing monopolies. For many fans, this latest scandal underscores a disconnect between the platform’s public image and its internal culture.
Whether this will lead to tangible reform remains to be seen. But as more allegations surface and public pressure mounts, Crunchyroll may soon be forced to confront the consequences of its workplace environment—and how it treats the very people who help bring anime to a global stage.
