EA apologizes for giving Muslim fighter a Christian victory celebration

By Holden ZA at Wednesday, March 23, 2016 1:50:00 PM

EA has apologized for an oversight in EA Sports UFC 2 in which it gave a practicing Muslim fighter a Christian victory celebration. This, however, isn't the first time a game development studio has had to apologize for using content that religious groups have found offensive. 

EA to fix religious mistake 

UFC fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is a practicing Muslim and has recently reached out to EA Sports regarding the depiction of an avatar in his likeness. His in-game character in EA Sports UFC 2 can currently be seen celebrating certain victories by making the sign of the cross over his chest. Offended, Khabib took to Twitter to voice his outrage. 

The victory gesture in question is a canned animation that's randomly performed by all fighters in the game. Though it never occurred to EA that this is a religious gesture and one that goes against Nurmagomedov, and potentially other fighters, faith. 

To EA's credit, they swiftly replied to Khabib in a direct message to his personal Instagram account. Khabib screenshotted the message and posted it on his account for the world to see. 

Below you will be able to find the video where Khabib is using the cross gesture that has warranted so much attention.