DC Comics and Sucker Punch fire creators over Charlie Kirk assassination celebrations

In the United States, notable incidents have transpired following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent figure in conservative circles and founder of Turning Point USA. On September 10, 2025, DC Comics announced its cancellation of the 'Red Hood' comic book series shortly after the release of its first issue. This cancellation occurred less than one day after writer Gretchen Felker-Martin celebrated Kirk's assassination on social media, a move that prompted significant backlash. DC Comics communicated to retailers that it would no longer fulfill orders for additional issues and would provide credits for sold copies of the initial print. The company indicated its firm stance against promoting hostility or violence, asserting its commitment to maintaining respectful discourse. Felker-Martin's social media posts included remarks that openly expressed delight over Kirk's death, leading the publisher to act in accordance with their standards of conduct. The decision to cancel the series echoes the broader concerns about the implications of creators' public statements in relation to their professional affiliations. Similarly, Drew Harrison, a senior character artist at Sony's Sucker Punch Productions, faced termination due to her social media comments celebrating Kirk's assassination. Quick to voice her views after the event broke, Harrison's remarks, which referenced the shooter humorously in a post, sparked outrage among users of Bluesky and other platforms. Harrison responded to the criticism by suggesting detractors should focus on political action instead of her comments. However, the negative attention put pressure on her employer, resulting in her dismissal amidst calls from conservatives for accountability from the gaming studio. Additionally, the incident has contributed to a larger discourse regarding violence and public expression in both the comic and gaming industries, raising questions about the responsibilities of artists and their employers toward community standards. Following Kirk's assassination, further repercussions were seen within the gaming community, such as Roblox removing game modes related to the incident due to public backlash and demands for moderation against violent content. Calls to action from political figures, like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, have driven attention to the need for reviewing harmful content across platforms. The overall fallout from these events signals a heightened sensitivity to expressions of violence and the consequences that may arise from public figures' comments.