Chris Niosi, a well-known voice actor also recognized by his online persona Kirbopher, is facing significant backlash following his casting as Moze in the popular game Honkai: Star Rail. The controversy stems from a history of admitted abusive behavior that first came to light in 2019, casting a shadow over his career and igniting debate within the gaming and voice acting communities.
Background on the Allegations
Niosi’s involvement in Honkai: Star Rail was announced on July 17, 2024, naming him as the English voice actor for Moze, a character in the widely popular Chinese role-playing game. However, this casting decision quickly drew criticism due to Niosi’s past. In 2019, his ex-girlfriend Amy publicly accused him of emotional and physical abuse through a Tumblr post, which went viral. Her allegations detailed Niosi’s angry outbursts, disrespect for her bodily autonomy, and instances of physical aggression. Following Amy’s revelations, other ex-partners and acquaintances also came forward with similar accusations.
Chris Niosi admitted to many of these allegations and issued public apologies, acknowledging his abusive behavior and claiming to undergo therapy and anger management. Despite his attempts at redemption, the sincerity of his apologies has been widely questioned. His career suffered immediate consequences, including his removal from the role of Blythe in Nintendo’s Fire Emblem series.
Ongoing Controversy and Community Reaction
The announcement of Niosi’s role in Honkai: Star Rail has reignited the controversy, with many fans expressing disappointment and calling for his removal from the game. An online petition demanding his ousting has gathered over 4,000 signatures, reflecting the community’s strong opposition.
Adding complexity to the debate, Griffin Puatu, another voice actor in Honkai: Star Rail, publicly defended Chris Niosi. In a Reddit post, Puatu argued that while Niosi has admitted to his past wrongdoings, he has also shown growth and remorse. Puatu highlighted that Niosi has not faced criminal charges and has regained support from many colleagues. He emphasized that denying Niosi opportunities indefinitely, despite his efforts to change, is unreasonable.
Puatu’s defense of Chris Niosi received mixed reactions. While some supported his call for forgiveness and a second chance, others believed that Niosi’s past actions should continue to impact his career opportunities. The backlash against Puatu was so intense that it led to his dismissal from two other projects, demonstrating the high stakes and strong emotions surrounding this issue.
Industry and Public Responses
Neither HoYoverse, the developer of Honkai: Star Rail, nor the game’s voice acting agency, Rocket Sound, have released official statements regarding the controversy. This silence has further fueled the community’s frustration, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability.
The debate over Chris Niosi’s casting in Honkai: Star Rail highlights broader issues within the entertainment industry regarding the balance between personal redemption and accountability. While some argue that individuals who have shown genuine remorse and efforts to change deserve second chances, others maintain that certain actions, particularly those involving abuse, should have lasting consequences.
In defending Chris Niosi, Griffin Puatu expressed his belief that ongoing punitive measures against Niosi are excessive and counterproductive. “If the people hurt by Chris believe he is undeserving of forgiveness, or that he hasn’t changed at all, then that’s on them,” he stated. “But that doesn’t make it true, and it certainly doesn’t give them the right to dictate whether or not Chris ever gets to work again.”
The controversy surrounding Chris Niosi’s role in Honkai: Star Rail underscores the challenges of navigating issues of accountability and redemption in the public eye. As the community continues to grapple with these complex questions, the future of Niosi’s involvement in the game remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that this debate will likely have lasting implications for the voice acting and gaming industries, as they confront the difficult balance between acknowledging past abuses and supporting pathways to rehabilitation.