Megan Thee Stallion Rejects Call of Duty Deal Over Trauma from 2020 Shooting

Megan Thee Stallion declined a major collaboration with the video game franchise Call of Duty. The rapper walked away after learning her in-game character would be a shootable target. This revelation came during her defamation trial against blogger Milagro Gramz. The decision was directly linked to the trauma she suffered after being shot in 2020.

Why Megan Thee Stallion Walked Away from the Deal

Testimony in the defamation trial provided a stark look into the rapper’s boundaries. Daniel Kinney, Senior VP at Roc Nation, took the stand. He detailed how a proposed Call of Duty partnership fell apart. According to his testimony, Megan “ditched Call of Duty when she learned she would be a shootable character.” The offer was immediately rejected.

Kinney explained the situation further. He said the concept “triggered her and she full stop said ‘I’m not doing this.'” The decision was non-negotiable. This was not about creative differences. It was a matter of personal well-being and trauma.

The Direct Link to Her PTSD Diagnosis

Megan Thee Stallion’s reaction is rooted in a documented medical condition. She has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This diagnosis came from renowned psychologist Dr. Lenore Walker. The condition is a direct result of the 2020 incident where Tory Lanez shot her.

Her commitment to mental health has been extensive and costly. Reports confirm she underwent an intensive therapy program. The treatment was a form of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. The total cost for this care was approximately $240,000.

This context makes her decision completely understandable. Participating as a character players could shoot would directly contradict her healing process. Her team at Roc Nation fully supported her choice to prioritize her mental health.

The Ripple Effect in the Gaming Industry

This situation highlights a potential blind spot in celebrity gaming collaborations. The *Call of Duty* franchise actively pursues partnerships with major artists. However, the specifics of these deals can sometimes be tone-deaf. In this case, the nature of the proposed role was deeply insensitive given Megan’s public trauma.

The collaboration did not disappear. The in-game operator slot intended for Megan was eventually filled by another artist. Nicki Minaj ultimately took the role and appeared as a playable character in the game.

This incident serves as a lesson for brand managers. More due diligence is needed when pitching collaborations to public figures. Understanding a potential partner’s personal history is not just prudent—it’s essential.

Megan Thee Stallion’s decision underscores a critical shift. Celebrities are increasingly setting firm boundaries to protect their mental health, proving that no brand deal is worth sacrificing personal peace.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the Call of Duty collaboration about?

It was a deal for Megan Thee Stallion to appear as an in-game “operator.” These are playable characters that users can select. However, the role meant her character could be shot and eliminated during gameplay.

Who ended up taking the Call of Duty spot?

Nicki Minaj ultimately appeared as a playable character in Call of Duty. She was added to the game as part of the same series of celebrity collaborations. The role was reportedly the one Megan turned down.

Why is Megan Thee Stallion suing Milagro Gramz?

Megan filed a defamation lawsuit against the blogger. She alleges that Gramz repeatedly spread false and malicious claims about the 2020 shooting incident. The trial is where the Call of Duty details were revealed.

What is Megan’s current relationship with Roc Nation?

It appears strong and supportive. The testimony from Roc Nation’s Senior VP showed the company fully backed her decision. They respected her boundary regarding the triggering video game deal.