Fortnite disables Peaceful Hips emote amid swastika concerns

Epic Games disabled and removed a Peacemaker-themed emote from Fortnite on September 28 after viewers said a move in the dance resembled a swastika, prompting the company to suspend the item and open an investigation into the collaboration. The move, called Peaceful Hips, was added to Fortnite earlier this month as part of a bundle tied to the HBO Max series Peacemaker, and players who purchased the emote were told refunds would be issued if it does not return.

"We're disabling the Peaceful Hips Emote in Fortnite as we inquire into our partners creative intentions in this collab emote," Epic Games wrote on the official Fortnite Status account. "Assuming its not coming back, well issue refunds in the next few days. Sorry folks."

The emote was based on the show’s opening credits dance, a recurring sequence that was expanded for Peacemaker Season 2. A recent episode of the season introduced an alternate-reality storyline in which a Nazi-controlled version of the United States appears, and some viewers said that when isolated and looped the choreography produced an angular arm formation resembling a swastika. Fans and players began sharing clips and side-by-side comparisons online,...