A mod for “The Sims 4” that excluded LGBT and Black non-playable characters (NPCs) from the game and automatically altered them to “straight” and “white,” respectively, has resurfaced despite efforts by EA to prevent its distribution. WIRED has identified numerous similar mods for other popular games, which are deemed racist, homophobic, and antisemitic.
The mod, named DEI Remover 1.0.0, was initially released in March of the previous year. However, it gained significant attention after @DanielleBuilds, a Sims content creator with over 300,000 followers, posted a screenshot on Facebook, urging users to report it. Apart from removing Black NPCs, the mod was programmed to ensure NPCs appeared “healthy, (not fat),” converted colorful hair types to “natural” colors, and transformed any LGBT couples sharing a home into siblings. An image accompanying an overview of the mod depicted the NPC Celeste Michaelson, who is Black and trans, being changed to a white woman.
An administrator on the gaming forum RPGHQ stated they received a request from EA’s IP enforcement department to delist the mod. The admin, using the pseudonym “Rusty Shackleford,” considered this an act of targeted censorship and shared screenshots purportedly showing correspondence with EA.
The email, reportedly from EA’s IP senior counsel Lisa Chin, stated: “I write on behalf of Electronic Arts Inc. (‘EA’). It has come to our attention that you are hosting material that infringes copyrights owned or controlled by EA,” identifying the DEI Remover mod as the infringing content. EA has not responded to WIRED’s request for comment.
On May 6, the original post was moved to a new thread, where the mod was reposted with a copyright disclaimer for “Fair Use” and instructions for downloading. Reactions were mixed, with comments ranging from “cut off one head, two more shall take its place. heil hydra,” to “Yea I’m sure antagonizing litigious publishers will work out well.”
“The Sims” franchise has been known for its commitment to cultural and LGBT representation for over a decade. In 2023, the series introduced the NPC Celeste Michaelson in the Growing Together expansion pack, and in 2022, featured a lesbian couple on the cover of the My Wedding Stories game pack. That year, “The Sims 4” offered a free update allowing users to customize pronouns, and in April 2025, released free downloadable content with LGBT-themed clothing and decor. The series has also celebrated various cultural events with themed items, including Juneteenth clothing, Christmas trees, Hanukkah menorahs, and Kwanzaa kinaras.
Despite this, platforms like Patreon continue to host mods that eliminate this diversity within “The Sims 4.” Besides DEI Remover, RPGHQ hosts numerous contentious mods for other games, including “Balduran Salutes Hitler” for “Baldur’s Gate 3,” and “Negro Remover” for “Stalker 2.” WIRED discovered a Patreon account from December featuring a mod that replaces inclusive language by changing “spouse” to “husband and wife,” and removes pronouns on premade Sims. The creator of the Patreon account stated the mod was a response to the franchise’s embrace of customizable pronouns. WIRED has reached out to “Baldur’s Gate 3” developer Larian Studios and Patreon, but has not received a response.
