Deadline has reported that Teen Titans Go actor Greg Cipes (Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) has alleged via social media that he was let go from the series after he went public with his Parkinson’s diagnosis. He replied to an Instagram post, “Warner Brothers literally fired me on Valentine’s Day right after I publicly shared my Parkinson’s diagnosis,”. In a second comment, he continued. “It’s like a death to me that only the fans can bring back to life.”
Whether or not he is implying that the firing was due to the medical condition is unclear.
Deadline has reported that Cipes voiced Beast Boy in the nine seasons of the series, as well as the 2013 Teen Titans during its five-season run. An undisclosed source with close ties to the series stated that the series was already recasting for creative purposes and that the firing had nothing to do with Cipes’ condition. Deadline has heard that Cipes was apparently offered both a separate role in Teen Titans Go and a development deal for a possible lead role down the line.
According to Deadline, Cipes’ other voice acting credits include Michelangelo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kevin Liege in the Ben 10 franchise, Iron Fist in Ultimate Spider-Man, Super Robot in Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!, and Splaat in RoboSplaat!.
Deadline has reported that Cipes has previously taken to social media to raise awareness for his disorder and show his appreciation for his tenure at Warner Bros. “Huge thanks to Warner Brothers for keeping me working as the Beast Boy I created for 25 years and throughout all this challenging Parkinson’s health stuff. I’m feeling very good! Together let the light shine on Parkinson’s awareness month!”
According to Deadline, WBD and Cipes have both yet to comment.