Epic Games has once again brought the Peacemaker’s ‘Peaceful Hips’ emote back to Fortnite – but not without a little reworking. The emote, inspired by John Cena’s DC character from James Gunn’s series Peacemaker, was briefly disabled after controversy erupted over claims that some of its dance movements resembled Nazi imagery. Now, following an internal investigation and a few notable tweaks, the dance has been reinstated – sparking another round of discussion among the community.
The situation started when players noticed that parts of the original choreography, particularly a moment where the character extended both arms downward and then upward one at a time, appeared visually similar to a swastika pattern. After social media chatter amplified the issue, Epic quickly pulled the emote, stating they were ‘inquiring into our partner’s creative intentions.’ The company even suggested refunds might be coming if the emote was permanently removed. 
But just a few days later, Epic clarified that they had worked with Warner Bros. Games and found no intention to reference Nazi imagery. To eliminate confusion, the team decided to slightly alter the choreography and reintroduce the emote in the next patch.
The updated dance keeps the same playful spirit but replaces the controversial middle section with a new movement involving clenched fists that rise and drop before seamlessly transitioning to the remaining sequence. The visual rhythm remains catchy and comic in tone, but the tweak ensures no unfortunate resemblance to extremist symbols. Epic also rolled out the update alongside Fortnitemares, its annual Halloween event, and added a teaser nod to its upcoming crossover with The Simpsons, showing that even controversy won’t slow down Fortnite’s content pipeline.
The brief disappearance of the emote has reignited the debate around creative interpretation and overcorrection in pop culture. Some argue that society has become hypersensitive, pointing out that even unintentional shapes or gestures can trigger mass outrage online. Others counter that brands as influential as Epic have a responsibility to avoid ambiguity – especially when the imagery in question evokes some of the darkest parts of human history.
Meanwhile, the internet’s reaction ranged from eye-rolling sarcasm to full-on conspiracy takes. Many fans joked that this was another example of people being ‘chronically online,’ while others spun elaborate theories about hidden political messages in Gunn’s show. Ironically, some even suggested the emote should’ve stayed unchanged – just add Indiana Jones bursting in to punch Peacemaker mid-dance for comic effect. Whether this entire episode was an overreaction or a necessary caution, it underscores how even a virtual dance can become a lightning rod in the culture wars.
Elsewhere in Fortnite’s universe, rapper Doja Cat also made headlines after publicly calling out the game’s social media account for a tone-deaf post referencing her persona. It’s been a strange week in Fortnite land – one part pop-culture celebration, one part PR circus. But as always, Epic Games knows how to turn controversy into engagement, and for now, Peaceful Hips is back – just a little less controversial this time.