5 Fortnite skins that were a victim of real-life controversies

Fortnite skins and other cosmetics are big businesses for Epic Games. They help keep the game free to play by providing the developers with a steady income via in-game purchases. Players spend real-life money to buy V-Bucks, which can be used to buy skins and other cosmetics.

While there are hundreds of skins to choose from, a few have been blacklisted and barred from returning to the Item Shop. They are surrounded by controversies and are best left vaulted forever

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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Mike Lowrey and four other Fortnite skins that were a victim of real-life controversies

1) Travis Scott

When it comes to Fortnite skins that are shrouded in real-life controversies, Travis Scott makes it to the top of the list. Following the incident at Astroworld 2021, the bulk of the Fortnite community wanted nothing to do with the rapper. Many wanted to remove his Icon Series skin/cosmetics from their in-game lockers.

Even before the Astroworld incident in 2021, the skin was last seen in the Item Shop on April 27, 2020. While some would claim that this was done to keep it "Rare," it's very likely that Epic Games didn't want to bring it back even then.

Given that Travis Scott was not showcased alongside all the other Icon Series skins when they were brought back to the Item Shop, it's safe to say it will never be unvaulted again.

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2) Shady Doggo

Doggo is one of the coolest skins to have been introduced to the game in Chapter 1, Season 1. His normal variant has three styles in total. While the community loves him, the other variant, Shady Doggo, associated with Balenciaga, will probably never return to the Item Shop.

Following the real-life controversy with the high-end clothing brand, it's very likely that Shady Doggo and other skins with the Balenciaga branding will remain vaulted. Since Fortnite is a PG-13 game, the developers will not want to be associated with the brand henceforth in any given way.

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3) Rue

Rue was introduced to the game in Chapter 2, Season 2. Based on her outfit, she's part of a faction known as SHADOW. Given the season's theme at the time, she fit right into the ongoing scenario, but her reputation turned sour once things ended.

According to the community of Fortnite enthusiasts, Rue looked like a Nazi. As far as anyone can tell, her wearing a trench coat and a beret (normal French clothing) made her look like a Schutzstaffel (SS) Officer. Long story short, her skin was blacklisted, and will never return to the Item Shop in Fortnite.

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4) Mike Lowrey

During the Kymera invasion that was ongoing in Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 7, Mike Lowrey was added to the Item Shop as an Epic skin. The model used the likeness of Will Smith, who portrayed the character in the Bad Boys trilogy. The moment the community caught wind of the skin, they were eager to obtain it.

However, fast forward to March 27, 2022, during the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage. Since Mike Lowrey resembles Will Smith in-game, the skin was never added again to the Item Shop. It was last seen on August 29, 2021.

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5) Black Widow

Although Scarlet Johansson, the actress who plays Black Widow, only sued Disney in 2021, the skin has remained vaulted in-game since May 6, 2019. It's still unclear why Epic Games has not brought the skin to the Item Shop for many years.

While some suggest it's because the character died in the MCU, that's unlikely to be the cause. However, this would make some sense as another version of Black Widow - Snow Suit is available in-game via the Item Shop. In all probability, that version of Black Widow can no longer be bought or used in Fortnger.

Even if they could, following the lawsuit, the "OG" Black Widow skin would never be allowed to be featured in-game. Given the strong ties Epic Games has with Disney, it would be "bad for business."