Epic Games is taking down any pre-roll Fortnite ads on YouTube due to some recent controversy. The controversy surrounds certain videos on YouTube that alleged predators are using to exploit children. In addition, Epic Games is in contact with its advertising agency in order to contact Google and YouTube to see what actions the company will take regarding this recent controversy.
News of this comes via The Verge who received a statement from an Epic Games spokesperson. The Fortnite ads aren’t the only ones to leave YouTube recently. Other companies like Peloton are looking into this situation as well. This whole situation began when YouTube creator Matt Watson posted a video bringing this controversy to light.
Epic Games Removes Fortnite Ads From YouTube
Apparently, searching for typical videos on YouTube like women showing off their “bikini haul” can lead to other videos showcasing children in exploitative ways. While the videos themselves could be something simple that the child wanted to share, the comment section on these types of videos is absolutely atrocious and full of child predators taking advantage of the content that is in the video.
For example, some child predators in the comment sections will timestamp certain sections of the YouTube video that, specifically, sexualize the child in disgusting ways. This is despite the fact that the video of the child isn’t necessarily suggestive or sexual in nature. These are the types of videos on YouTube that Fortnite ads would play over as well as ads for other companies.
As such, it is understandable that companies like Epic Games are taking action to remove their ads. It remains to be seen if other companies will follow suit and remove their ads. YouTube gave a statement to The Verge, noting that it is taking immediate action and is deleting accounts and channels. Stay tuned for further developments of this situation. For more on Fortnite, check out the latest update and how Apex Legends is surpassing it.