Popular video game Fortnite has removed a dance move tie-in with the HBO series Peacemaker after some users suggested it may allude to Nazi imagery.
The routine, which mimics one performed by the show’s titular character, played by John Cena, involves players’ avatars bending their arms 90 degrees at the elbow and waving them up and down in alternating directions.
Peacemaker’s dance emote from Fortnite has been disabled.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 28, 2025
“As we inquire into our partner's creative intentions in this collab emote. Assuming it's not coming back, we'll issue refunds in the next few days.” pic.twitter.com/hwHqOiid1o
While it appears innocent, some fans of the show pointed out that the dance foreshadowed a plot twist that saw Peacemaker transported to a parallel universe dominated by a Nazi regime, with others suggesting that the movement of the arms resembled a swastika symbol.
Fortnite, immensely popular among children and teens, allows users to unlock or buy a variety of “emotes” – distinctive movements or dances –which often arrive in the game through sponsored partnerships with popular media.
Previous collaborations have included deals with Marvel, DC, Star Wars and the John Wick franchise.
Following reports about the “Peaceful Hips” emote, the game’s developers confirmed it had been temporarily removed, pending further investigation.
A statement from Fortnite read: “We're disabling the Peaceful Hips Emote in Fortnite as we enquire into our partner's creative intentions in this collab emote.
"Assuming it's not coming back, we'll issue refunds in the next few days. Sorry folks.”
However, some users criticised the decision, claiming that it was unnecessary and that the emote was being misinterpreted.
Others pointed to the fact that other emotes still in the game include one that makes use of a Kanye West song, despite the rapper being a self-professed “Nazi” who praised Adolf Hitler.
And the game also still features a “skin” – downloadable costume – which resembles a Nazi uniform, though it is now extremely rare as developer Epic Games removed it from sale five years ago.
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