'Fortnite' Removes Travis Scott From Game Following 'Astroworld' Tragedy
By Mike Walters on November 8, 2021 at 6:00 PM EST
Updated on March 9, 2022 at 1:22 AM EST
'Fortnite' has reportedly removed the Travis Scott emote from its game item store, following the 'Astroworld' concert tragedy that left eight people dead.
According to multiple reports, 'Fortnite' is halting sales of the Travis Scott emote just days after the concert tragedy, and the 'Out West' emote which features audio of his song -- has been removed from the 'Fortnite' Item Shop.
Interestingly, the entire section of Fortnite's Item Shop that housed the rapper's dance emote is gone. If you are not an avid gamer, the emote's allow you to go through the game as a specific individual, including some famous personalities, and also use dances when you win or do well in the game.
'Fortnite' Pulls Travis Scott Images From Its Online Store
Unfortunately, the emote was on sale to coincide with the 'Astroworld' music festival, which ended early, after eight people died from being crushed near the front of the concert. As you know, Scott has been criticized for not stopping the concert and continuing to perform despite an ambulance in the crowd -- and people shouting at him that people were dying.
The 'Fortnite' and Travis Scott relationship goes way back to last year, when the game hosted a virtual concert with the rapper and sold multiple Scott-themed items to celebrate the event. At the time, it was hailed as one of the greatest crossover events with millions of people logging in to see the show.
It should be noted, Epic Games (who owns Fortnite) nor Travis Scott have commented on the situation -- but Scott has issued a statement regarding the unfortunate events at 'Astroworld.'
Travis Scott Breaks His Silence On Tragedy -- I Am 'Devastated'
"I'm honestly just devastated," Scott said on Instagram. He continued, "We're actually working right now to identify the families so we can help assist them through this tough time." Earlier today, the rapper announced he would be covering the funeral costs for all the victims in the deadly accident -- and also paying for mental health treatment for people affected by the tragedy.
It should be noted, Travis directly responded to allegations he should have stopped the concert given the severity of the situation, saying, "Any time I could make out, you know, anything that's going on, you know, I just stopped my show and, you know, helped them get the help they need."
A video of the concert, shows Scott pausing his performance and looking a bit confused when an ambulance pulled into the crowd during his set. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the rapper knew exactly how bad it had gotten, and continued the music.
'Astroworld' Deaths Are Still Under Investigation
Now, it's unclear if 'Fortnite' is just taking the items down to make sure it doesn't appear they are profiting from the tragedy -- or if they are really separating themselves from the rapper due to the outcry from some who believe he didn't respond properly to the situation. As we said, the company has not formally made any statements regarding the pulling of his emotes.
The eight deaths are still under investigation.