Bethesda Faces Backlash After Posting Video Mocking Charlie Kirk Assassination

Technology

Bethesda now faces backlash after posting a short gameplay clip on X that included a political message before quickly deleting it, which follows the assassination of Charlie Kirk last Wednesday.

The Deleted Video

The nine-second clip showed an in-game character petting a cat, paired with on-screen text: “You don’t care much about these Fascists, do you?” The video was posted to Bethesda’s official X account and then abruptly removed, but not before it was widely shared.

Update: The clip is from the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle video game.

Suspect In Charlie Kirk Assassination Now In Custody

Community Reaction

Gaming commentator Mark Kern (Grummz) called out Bethesda directly, writing:

“I am being told that @bethesda just panic deleted this post. Do you guys still see it? Don’t let them get away with it. If this was an edgy social media mgr they need to be fired, and a statement issued.”

The deletion has sparked outrage, as the Bethesda post was clearly seen as a reference to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The FBI reported that one of the casings found at the crime scene said, “Hey fascist! Catch!” — with an additional reference to the 500KG bomb stratagem from Helldivers 2.

Reports also indicate that Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk, was in a romantic relationship with a man transitioning to a transgender female who is active in the “furry” community.

Bethesda’s video featuring a cat and fascist remarks syncs with those reports.

Bethesda Producer’s Comments Surface

Adding to the controversy, screenshots circulating online show a Bethesda producer posting about Charlie Kirk’s assassination on Bluesky. The posts appeared to mock those mourning Kirk’s death, amplify commentary framing him as an extremist, and reshare remarks downplaying any obligation to grieve.

One of the reposts read: “You are under no obligation to mourn the death of people who would’ve celebrated yours.” Another amplified the line: “They’ll ask you to mourn the deaths they mourn, and no others.”

The producer, who lists Bethesda Game Studios as their employer, also shared multiple posts implying that Kirk’s assassination was the result of the political climate he fostered.

Update: More from Bethesda devs:

Fallout for Bethesda

Bethesda, best known for franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, has not yet issued a public comment on the matter. But the resurfaced producer posts combined with the deleted video are fueling accusations that the company has tolerated political hostility among staff.

In related news, DC Comics has canceled the comic book of a trans writer following controversial comments.

Sucker Punch has also fired a game developer.

Stephen King recently deleted controversial remarks.

Elon Musk is also calling out various gaming companies and influencers.




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