Ash's Voice Actor Denies Pokemon Anime Ending Due to Cast Tensions

Rica Matsumoto refutes rumors of behind-the-scenes drama causing Ash Ketchum's departure as a massive Pokemon leak stirs controversy.

A significant leak from Game Freak has resulted in numerous Pokemon franchise assets, including anime and game content, being exposed online.
The leak suggested that Ash Ketchum's exit from the Pokemon anime was partly due to alleged tensions between voice actors Rica Matsumoto and Ikue Otani.
Rica Matsumoto publicly denied these rumors, stating that she and Otani have been friends since their early careers and dismissing the claims as false and childish.
The leak, dubbed the 'Pokemon Teraleak,' has sparked widespread discussion and concern within the Pokemon community.
Despite the controversy, the Pokemon anime continues with new protagonists in 'Pokemon Horizons,' while Matsumoto has not been involved in the latest series.