Full Breakdown
Fortnite Announces Refunds for D4vd-Related Cosmetics After Murder Charges
4/28/2026, 6:40:43 AM
Refund Initiative for D4vd Cosmetics
Epic Games confirmed that Fortnite will issue refunds to any player who purchased in-game items linked to singer D4vd. Refunds become available through a self-service portal on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, with additional support via player-service requests. The company has not pledged to delete the items from the store.
Background & Context
David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, partnered with Epic Games in 2025, providing the track “Locked & Loaded” as the official anthem for the 2025 Fortnite Global Championship and four cosmetic items. In September 2025, the decomposed body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla. In April 2026, Burke was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, special circumstances of lying in wait, and possession of a significant amount of child pornography. Interscope Records and Universal Music Group terminated his contracts and removed his collaborations from streaming services. Industry Blackout launched a petition urging platforms to cease streaming his catalogue, calling continued promotion “not a neutral choice.”
Timeline
- 3 Sept 2025 – “Locked & Loaded” released, five days before the body was found.
- Sept 2025 – Hernandez’s remains discovered in Burke’s Tesla.
- 16 Apr 2026 – Burke arrested; murder and child-pornography charges filed.
- 26 Apr 2026 – Epic announced refund plan on X.
- 28 Apr 2026 – Refunds for D4vd cosmetics go live.
- 1 May 2026 – Preliminary hearing scheduled.
Official Statements & Responses
Epic Games said community concerns prompted a series of “changes … over time,” beginning with self-service refunds on 28 April, while noting it has not pledged to delete the items.
Criticism & Opposition
Interscope and Universal cut ties with Burke and removed his collaborations. Industry Blackout’s petition, signed by over 2,000 supporters, urges a full withdrawal of his music, citing moral responsibility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We hear the concerns.” — Epic Games, Fortnite Status (X)
- “We have a bunch of changes we're rolling over time. The first one will be available on Tuesday April 28th, when anyone who purchased one of these items will be able to get an immediate self-service refund.” — Epic Games, Fortnite Status (X)
- “The music industry has a responsibility that goes beyond commerce. When an artist has been charged with the sexual abuse and murder of a minor, a child who was drawn into his orbit through his music and public persona, continuing to stream, promote, and profit from his catalogue is a choice. It is not a neutral one,” — Industry Blackout, petition
- “contains a significant amount of child pornography” — investigators, as quoted in court hearing
What’s Next
Burke’s preliminary hearing on 1 May 2026 will decide next legal steps; a conviction could bring the death penalty or life without parole. Epic said further policy tweaks may follow the refund rollout.
