One notable voice actor is reportedly banned from TV after his alleged role in the deadly January 6 Capitol Riot.
The actor, Jay Johnston, has also appeared as Officer Jay McPherson on “The Sarah Silverman Program” and worked as a writer and cast member on the HBO sketch comedy series “Mr. Show with Bob and David.”
Johnston also had a recurring role on “Arrested Development” and appeared in films like “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and “Bicentennial Man.”
He has also voiced restaurant owner Jimmy Pesto Sr. in the critically acclaimed Fox animated cartoon “Bob’s Burgers.” Fans have noticed that the pizza owner has been missing for the show’s 12th season, and it’s due to Johnston’s reported involvement in the Capitol riot.
Jay Johnston Has Been Banned From ‘Bob’s Burgers’
According to The Daily Beast, at least two sources revealed that Johnston has been “banned” from the show due to his alleged involvement in the Capitol Riot.
However, it has not been proven that Johnston actually attended the riot at all. In March, the FBI posted a tweet saying that they are looking for a person involved in the Capitol Riots. However, it is not clear if that person is actually Johnston or just a person that happens to resemble him.
According to Snopes, co-star Tim Heidecker said that it was “fully confirmed” through “reliable sources” that the man in the photo was Johnston, although that tweet has since been deleted.
Snopes also reported that two other actors that starred with Johnston in the 2014 documentary “Harmontown” – Spencer Crittenden and Cassandra Church – came forward to say that Johnston had attended the rally and claimed that he had supported former President Donald Trump.
At this time, the person’s identity in the photo has not been confirmed and Johnston has not been arrested or charged with a crime. Johnston hasn’t commented on why he has been absent from the 12th season of “Bob’s Burgers,” which has only fueled more speculation.
What Do Fans Think Of The Controversy?
Man, after hearing Jay Johnston being suspended from Bob’s Burgers for taking part in Capital Riot.. I doubt he’ll be invited to anymore Mr Show reunions..
— 💉RichardK (fully Pfized) (@GojiraHawk) December 19, 2021
Many fans took to social media to share their thoughts on Johnston’s sudden disappearance from the show.
Some fans joked that they should work the controversy into a storyline, called “Pesto Got Aresto Burger.”
“Capitol Rye-it burger,” another fan suggested. “Comes with a side of 3-5 years.”
“Pesto gets arrested for being at the riots on the 6th,” another fan suggested. “Jimmy’s brother takes over but he doesn’t know anything about running the restaurant. He goes to Bob for help and Bob helps and they become friends. Then something happens like they find there are only so many customers to be had and they are direct competition no matter what and end up hating each other. The status quo returns.”
Even though it’s unclear if Johnston will ever return to the show, fans are still hoping for some kind of resolution.
“Although they’re not in every episode, they’re definitely a part of the show,” another fan wrote. “It’d be a shame to cast them out due to Jimmy Pesto’s actor.”
