Full Breakdown
Bethesda's Controversial Tweet Sparks Outrage Following Charlie Kirk's Assassination
9/17/2025, 12:10:00 AM
Core Event: Bethesda's Deleted Tweet and Backlash
On September 14, 2025, video game company Bethesda, owned by Microsoft, faced significant backlash after posting and subsequently deleting a video clip from its upcoming game, *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*. The clip featured an in-game character petting a cat while stating, “You don’t care much about these Fascists, do you?” This post was interpreted by many as a mocking reference to the assassination of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead shortly before the tweet was made. The timing and content of the post led to accusations of insensitivity and political hostility from both supporters and critics of Kirk.
Public Reaction and Boycott Calls
The deleted tweet quickly went viral, with users on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) expressing outrage. Many pledged to boycott Bethesda games, claiming the company was promoting "political violence." One user demanded the firing of those responsible for the tweet and suggested a $100 million donation to Turning Point USA as a condition for reconsidering their support. Others expressed confusion over the connection between the clip and Kirk, with some defending the game’s narrative against accusations of insensitivity.
Criticism from Within Bethesda
As the controversy unfolded, screenshots emerged of a Bethesda producer's activity on Bluesky, where they appeared to mock those mourning Kirk's death. This producer amplified posts that criticized Kirk, suggesting that he had contributed to a hostile political climate. Following the backlash, the producer deactivated their account, but not before further inflaming the situation. Critics pointed to this behavior as indicative of a broader culture within Bethesda that tolerates political hostility.
Official Statements & Responses
Bethesda has not issued an official statement addressing the controversy surrounding the tweet or the actions of its employees. Microsoft, the parent company, stated that it opposes political violence and emphasized that the actions of a few employees do not reflect the company's values. However, no specific comments were made regarding the deleted tweet or the backlash it generated.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While many users condemned Bethesda's tweet, some defended it, arguing that the game’s narrative is centered around fighting fascists and that the outrage was exaggerated. Additionally, the lack of a formal response from Bethesda has left many questions unanswered about the company's stance on the incident and its internal culture regarding political discourse.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You don’t care much about these Fascists, do you?” — In-game character from *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*.
- “ "Publicly fire the individual(s) that posted the tweet.” — X user expressing outrage.
- “You are under no obligation to mourn the death of people who would’ve celebrated yours,” — Bethesda producer's repost on Bluesky.
What's Next
As the investigation into Charlie Kirk's assassination continues, the fallout from Bethesda's tweet may lead to further scrutiny of the company's social media practices and internal policies. The incident has sparked broader discussions about political discourse in the gaming industry and the responsibilities of companies in navigating sensitive political issues.
