Epic Games has said it will offer "immediate self-service refunds" to players who purchased Fortnite cosmetics and jam tracks linked to the singer David "D4vd" Burke, who was charged with first-degree murder last week.
Epic did not say if it had plans to remove the D4vd items from the game completely, or to offer an option for players who obtained them by means other than purchasing to delete them from their accounts. However, it said the self-service refunds are the first of "a bunch of changes we're rolling out over time," so it's still possible these will be implemented.
Burke is closely linked to the video games and anime communities, and especially to Fortnite. He started out making music for Fortnite montages, and his song "Locked & Loaded" was named an official Fortnite anthem by Epic. In-game, D4vd emotes and a pack of cosmetic items were available, alongside two jam tracks. Some items could be won by participating in the "D4vd Cup" event in 2024. Though still present in the game, the items haven't been available to buy for some time.
Burke is charged with murdering Celeste Rivas, a minor whose body was found decomposing in a car registered to the singer seven months ago, and with whom he is alleged to have had a sexual relationship. He's being held in custody without bail. Burke's attorneys say they will defend his innocence.