Fortnite Investigates Creative Intentions Behind Controversial Peacemaker Emote Removal

Epic Games has officially removed the Peaceful Hips emote from Fortnite amidst growing controversy concerning its design.

Originating from the DC comic series Peacemaker, which premiered in January 2022 and features John Cena, the show’s distinctive dance intro gained popularity for its over-the-top nature. Director James Gunn has described the varying dance sequences as intentional narrative devices, subtly hinting at character arcs and themes throughout both seasons, including the use of butterfly motifs to foreshadow antagonistic characters in Season 1.

We’re disabling the Peaceful Hips Emote in Fortnite 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. Sorry folks.

— Fortnite Status (@FortniteStatus) September 28, 2025

The collaboration between Peacemaker and Fortnite introduced various thematic cosmetics, including the Peaceful Hips emote. This dance was inspired by the Season 2 opening sequence, where Cena performs exaggerated arm movements. However, some players expressed concerns that the arm shapes bore an unintended resemblance to half a swastika, sparking speculation that the show might be alluding to its villain through this choreography.

Removal of emote amid ongoing investigation

On September 28, the Fortnite Status Twitter account announced the decision to disable the emote while they investigate its creative intentions. The statement indicated, “We’re disabling the Peaceful Hips Emote in Fortnite 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. Sorry folks.”

PEACEMAKER DANCE IS DISABLED FROM FORTNITE “We’re disabling the Peaceful Hips Emote in Fortnite 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. Sorry folks.”pic.twitter.com/sdC3aAlmx0

— HYPEX (@HYPEX) September 28, 2025

While it remains unclear whether the resemblance to the swastika-like design was intentional or coincidental, Epic Games is actively conducting an investigation. Given the previous season’s use of similar dance cues to hint at villainy, speculation persists that this movement was deliberate. If confirmed, the emote is unlikely to be reinstated, with refund processing already in motion for players who purchased it.

Should the emote be permanently removed, it will join the ranks of other contentious items, such as the Rue and Washington “Redskins” outfits, which were also extracted from the game due to their potentially offensive nature.

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