The tweet came as justification for the move by the company to fire their Community Manager, Josh Olin, over his tweet from Wednesday pointing out that disgraced racist Donald Sterling does in fact have the right to free speech.
Here's an unpopular opinion: Donald Sterling has the right as an American to be an old bigot in the security of his own home. He's a victim.
— Josh Olin (@JD_2020) April 30, 2014
The comments made by our former community manager stand in stark contrast to our values as a game development studio. <1/2>
— Turtle Rock Studios (@TurtleRock) May 1, 2014
We sincerely apologize for his remarks and in no way endorse or support those views. <2/2>
— Turtle Rock Studios (@TurtleRock) May 1, 2014
For his part, the newly unemployed Olin responded by pointing out that defending freedom of speech is not the same thing as endorsing that speech – a concept that not long ago would have gone without saying in this country.
Final thoughts: I believe in racial equality & do not endorse bigotry in any way. I also believe in free speech and decry sensational media.
— Josh Olin (@JD_2020) May 2, 2014
“…everyone should totally still buy Evolve. The guys and gals making that game know their ***, and are making it good.”