Controversy continues to spread across the comics and gaming industry as artist Gigi Dutreix, who has worked on Sonic the Hedgehog comics for SEGA and IDW Publishing, has come under fire for celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Spotify Playlist Post
Dutreix posted a screenshot to social media showing multiple Spotify playlists titled “Charlie Kirk is Dead,” which mock and celebrate the conservative activist’s killing.
The post quickly circulated, sparking backlash from readers and fans of both Sonic and IDW Publishing.
Sonic & IDW Connections
Dutreix has been credited for work at IDW Publishing on the Sonic the Hedgehog comics, one of SEGA’s flagship properties.
The artist was also spotlighted in a “Creator Corner” interview in Sonic the Hedgehog Issue #76, officially published by IDW, where their personal work was promoted to readers.
Dutreix has also done work on My Little Pony and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Controversial Work
In addition to Sonic, Dutreix also publishes an explicit gender-queer comic that features depictions of children or young teens, said to be as young as 11 or 12 — work that was highlighted in their official Sonic feature.
Larger Fallout
Dutreix’s celebration of Kirk’s murder comes as DC Comics writer Gretchen Felker-Martin was fired after similar comments, and after Ghost of Yotei developer Drew Harrison was also terminated from their role following remarks about Kirk.
Stephen King also apologized for remarks.
Elon Musk also called out Microsoft, and the founder of Epic Games has been under the spotlight for controversial comments.
