Travis Scott's Fortnite emote removed Item Shop after Astroworld tragedy

Following the tragic incident that left eight people dead and hundreds more injured at Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival this past weekend, developers Epic Games responded by removing the "Out West" emote from the Item Shop in Fortnite.

The emote was initially released as part of the Fortnite Icon Series in August 2021 and would play a snippet of a song with the same when used in the game. Initially available ahead of the Astroworld concert event on 7th November, the "Out West" emote was later removed when Epic Games intentionally disabled the "Daily" section of the Item Shop in its entirety.

Travis Scott "Out West" emote is removed from Fortnite Item Shop

According to an update posted on Twitter, Epic Games cited that it would return with "the next Item Shop refresh." 

It’s known that the "Daily" section of the Item Shop has been disabled. This is intentional and the "Daily" section will return with the next Item Shop refresh. pic.twitter.com/rc6Kqh7qoW

— Fortnite Status (@FortniteStatus) November 8, 2021

Epic Games did not indicate the exact reason for disabling the Item Shop or removing the Travis Scott emote. When probed for comment, PC Gamer said that Epic Games declined to comment on the decision.

However, given the uncanny timing, their decision was presumably consequent to the tragic events at the live concert event this past weekend. 

Although Epic Games removed the emote from the Item Shop, prominent Fortnite leaker Shiina contends that players who still own the emote will most likely still be able to keep it, along with all the other Travis Scott Astronomical cosmetics. "Needless to say, the cosmetics won't be available for purchase anytime soon, and for a very good reason," Shiina said.

To explain further: The emote was simply removed from the Item Shop. People still own it and will most likely keep it and all other Travis Scott cosmetics.

Needless to say, the cosmetics won't be available for purchase anytime soon, and for very good reason.

🕯️ https://t.co/5O1Xjy9uqN

— Shiina (@ShiinaBR) November 8, 2021

According to a report by The Guardian, Travis Scott and Drake are currently facing legal action after several people died at the event. In addition, at least 300 people were treated for injuries at a nearby hospital. Although Travis Scott apologised for the incident, fans have criticised him for not stopping the show to help concertgoers who were, quite literally, dying at his concert.

At least 50,000 people attended the Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas, and at least eight people died. We extend our sincerest condolences to all families who tragically lost loved ones at the concert and trust that justice will be served.

• Read more: Fortnite redeem codes (November 2021): Free V-Bucks, outfits, emotes and more.

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Featured image courtesy of Epic Games.