A Sucker Punch Productions artist appears to have been terminated from her position following online comments made about the death of conservative media personality Charlie Kirk, according to reports surfacing September 26, 2025. The situation has ignited debate regarding free speech, workplace conduct, and the intersection of personal opinions and professional repercussions within the gaming industry.
The controversy began with a post on the social media platform Bluesky referencing the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian thompson, Luigi Mangioni, and drawing a comparison to the Super Mario Bros. video game characters Mario and Luigi. Following user complaints, the artist, identified as Harrison, responded with a call for gun control and a defiant statement about standing against “fascism.” She subsequently updated her LinkedIn profile to reflect her departure from Sucker Punch, effective September 2025.
While neither Sucker Punch nor Sony have officially confirmed a connection between Harrison’s comments and her employment status, the timing of the LinkedIn update strongly suggests a link. The incident occurs as Sucker Punch prepares for the October 2 release of Ghost of Yōtei, a highly anticipated new title. The case raises questions about the boundaries of acceptable online expression for employees and the potential consequences for voicing political opinions, particularly in the wake of heightened political tensions in the United States.
