Tech CEO and self-proclaimed ‘pro-life gamer’ steps down after backing Texas abortion law
Gibson’s comment in support of Texas abortion law received backlash from the gaming industry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The CEO of an American video game company has stepped down following backlash over his support for the controversial abortion law that was passed in Texas last week.
TripWire issued a statement on Monday announcing that John Gibson has stepped down and co-founder Alan Wilson will take over as the interim CEO.
"His comments disregarded the values of our whole team, our partners and much of our broader community. Our leadership team at Tripwire are deeply sorry and are unified in our commitment to take swift action and to foster a more positive environment," the statement read.
Mr Gibson tweeted on Saturday that he was proud of the court order that banned "abortion for babies with a heartbeat".
He wrote: "Proud of US Supreme Court affirming the Texas law banning abortion for babies with a heartbeat. As an entertainer, I don’t get political often. Yet with so many vocal peers on the other side of this issue, I felt it was important to go on the record as a pro-life game developer".
His remarks received heavy criticism from the gaming community and one of Tripwire's development partners Shipwright Studios announced they would no longer work with the company due to Mr Gibson's anti-abortion stance.
"We cannot in good conscience continue to work with Tripwire under the current leadership structure. We will begin the cancellation of our existing contracts effective immediately," Shipwright Studios said in a statement.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a Texas law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
The "foetal heartbeat bill" bans abortions at the point of the "first detectable heartbeat", which could happen around six weeks into pregnancy. The law even allows private citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone suspected of helping a woman terminate the pregnancy.
Although 13 other Republican states have adopted similar abortion bans, they have been blocked by the court from implementation.
Since its implementation, several pro-choice activists and citizens across the country have taken to the streets in protest against the draconian law.
US attorney general Merrick Garland said that the Justice Department is “urgently” exploring “all options” to challenge the new law. Mr Garland in a statement on Monday said the federal officials will rely on the decades-old Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act to “protect those seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments