Fortnite Pulls “Peacemaker” Emote After Backlash Over Alleged Racism

Fortnite has taken down its “Peacemaker” (also known as “Peaceful Hips”) emote after users raised concerns that parts of its choreography mirrored Nazi symbolism. The speculation was further supplemented by the prior Peacemaker episode depicting a white-only alternate universe where America had lost World War II to the Nazis. In that universe, the American flag bears a swastika, with other indirect Nazi allusions seen throughout the episode.

In a swift response, Epic issued an apology, disabled the emote, and committed to issuing refunds to players who purchased it. The company also stated it would investigate how the emote entered the game in the first place.

Peacemaker’s dance emote from Fortnite has been disabled.

“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^[1]

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 28, 2025^[2]

How the Peacemaker Backlash Unfolded

Players first flagged the issue in Reddit threads. One comment in r/FortNiteBR read:

“Peacemaker emote disabled from Fortnite — guess they saw the resemblance too.” (Reddit)

Reports from social media and gaming press noted that the emote’s animation mirrored the opening credits sequence of Peacemaker, which includes imagery tied to alternative universe Nazi iconography in some scenes.

Notable media outlets highlighted that the Peacemaker show itself featured Nazi imagery in its storyline and promotional material, adding fuel to the interpretive fire. The prompt removal reveals how sensitive game communities and developers have become about potential symbolic missteps in a climate of heightened awareness.

Beyond A Dance Move

On the surface, this might look like a cosmetic misstep. But the controversy shows how every emote, skin, or animation in online games now exists under cultural scrutiny. Fan communities often read deeper meanings into animations; a movement intended as stylistic can carry unintended metaphors. The speed with which the community pushed back and the game devs complied serves as a reminder that user sensitivity has become a major boundary condition in online content.