Video Game Tycoon Faces Backlash for Endorsing Controversial Abortion Law
Tripwire, the company behind popular titles like Chivalry 2, made headlines this week when their CEO, John Gibson, publicly endorsed a controversial Texas abortion law. In a statement released on Monday, Tripware shared that Gibson had stepped down from his position due to discord between his views and those of the company.
"His comments disregard the values of our entire team, partners, and broader community," the company stated. "Our leadership team at Tripwire deeply regrets this and is united in our commitment to foster a more positive environment."
This abrupt resignation came after Gibson expressed support for a Texas law banning abortions after six weeks, often before many people even realize they are pregnant. The legislation, one of the strictest in the state, went into effect last week despite challenges from the Supreme Court and a federal appeals court.
Gibson also drew attention to his stance as the Entertainment Industry grappled with political debates, particularly the Texas abortion law. In a September 2021 tweet, he wrote, "Proud of #USSupremeCourt for affirming the Texas law that bans abortions at heartbeat, a pro-life stance as a video game developer." This statement sparked a wave of reactions, with some praising his defection from the norms of political silence in the entertainment sector, while others criticized his involvement in the divisive issue.
Tripwire's leadership team remained silent in the face of the controversy, until Gibson's resignation. In the weeks that followed, several major companies announced plans to challenge the Texas abortion law. For instance, website hosting firm GoDaddy shut down a platform where tips for potential abortions in Texas were shared. The law explicitly allows private citizens to sue anyone who helps someone obtain an abortion beyond the six-week mark.
Furthermore, ride-hailing companies Lyft and Uber committed to covering legal fees for their drivers who may face lawsuits under the new rules. Meanwhile, dating apps Bumble and Match Group pledged to establish funds to aid individuals impacted by the restrictions.
In light of the controversy, some wondered if this was a PR move to appear pro-life, given the political climate. However, the swift reaction from Tripwire and other companies' pledges to challenge the abortion law in Texas point to a strong desire to support reproductive rights and human dignity.
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