Fortnite adds Nikki from Obsession, sparking fan backlash over character's dark story

A new Fortnite skin depicting Nikki Freeman from the horror film Obsession is causing a stir, with some players calling for a boycott, according to IGN. Epic Games revealed the skin, modeled after actress Inde Navarrette's character, on October 20.

The backlash stems from Nikki's tragic story in the movie, where her body is possessed and she is sexually assaulted by another character while unable to give consent. Critics argue that turning a victim of such trauma into a purchasable game character is in poor taste.

Kotaku reports the skin comes with cosmetics that reference the film's plot, including cue cards with her dialogue and a backpack of the cursed toy that ruined her life. An emote recreates a famous scene where her character lashes out.

Social media reactions are sharply divided. Some users called the move disrespectful and gross, while others defended it by noting Nikki is a fictional character. A viral post demanding a Fortnite boycott has since been deleted.

This controversy follows similar debates earlier this year when Nikki appeared as a character at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights. Navarrette has been photographed with the theme park actors, showing no public issue with the adaptations.