Epic Games is refunding players of Fortnite who bought certain in-game items associated with the singer D4vd, who was charged last week in Los Angeles with the murder of a teenage girl.
In statements posted to X, the company this week announced that fans could receive refunds or exchanges effective immediately.
D4vd, 21, whose legal name is David Burke, was a prominent player of the popular multiplayer game and began his career composing music for video montages of gameplay. Last year, he released an official Fortnite anthem, “Locked & Loaded,” and Fortnite sold several game customizations that were created or selected by D4vd, including character outfits, special animations known as emotes and original music.
Prosecutors have charged Mr. Burke with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He is accused of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains, among other crimes. Ms. Rivas Hernandez had been missing for more than a year when her dismembered body was found in the trunk of Mr. Burke’s car in September. He has pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge.
Prosecutors said in court documents this week that Mr. Burke met Ms. Rivas Hernandez when she was 11, began a sexual relationship with her when she was 13 and, when she was 14, got into an argument with her the day before he invited her to his home and fatally stabbed her.
A fast-rising star of R&B and hip-hop, Mr. Burke was named to Billboard magazine’s “21 Under 21” list and toured with SZA as an opening act in 2023. His songs have more than 23 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and his debut album, “Withered,” was released by Interscope Records last April.
The Team, the talent agency formerly known as Wasserman, dropped D4vd from its roster in recent weeks, before his arrest, according to a person with knowledge of the decision.
Ben Sisario contributed reporting.
Reggie Ugwu is a Times culture reporter.
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