Grand Theft Auto Sequel Featuring “Child Support”: Why did it happen?

By Moses St Louis

A wave of excitement is spreading within the Haitian community as Rockstar prepares to release the new Grand Theft Auto (GTA) game. Fans are buzzing about how this sequel will feature the iconic Haitian song “Child Support.” This moment is more than just a game release — it’s a sign of Haitian influence growing in global entertainment. It’s a celebration of Haitian culture and pride, shining on a major platform. Having “Child Support,” a well-loved Haitian song, included in GTA’s new game is a big deal. It shows that Haitian music has a place on a global stage. It could inspire more people to explore Haitian art and stories. This feature helps to elevate Haitian cultural expressions and opens doors for more recognition.  However many are clueless on how this moment came about.

In October 2002, Rockstar released a version of Grand auto theft “Vice City” in which one of the line in the game stated “kill all Haitians". The Haitian community was outraged, to the point they file a lawsuit against the company. The Haitian community held many protests in front of Rockstar’s Headquarter in New York City. After heavy protest and pressure from the Haitian community, including the current mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg;  at the time who was very supportive of the Haitian Community, Rockstar caved in and agreed to remove the offending dialogue from future copies that would go on sale. And agreed to spend some money promoting Haitian culture in various ways moving forward. They released a statement and stated this: "We trust that our actions and our formal apologies can help to mend our relationship with the Haitian community. Accordingly, we will remove the objectionable statements from future copies.”

GTA is one of the most famous video game franchises worldwide. Since its debut, it has sold millions of copies and influenced countless other games. The series is known for its open worlds, compelling stories, and endless freedom. It’s a cultural hit that reaches players across all ages and backgrounds. The franchise has become a household name, with new releases eagerly awaited every few years. However, Grand Theft AutoI has generated several controversies over the years, especially with the release of “ Vice City”. GameSpy awarded it "Most Offensive Game of the Year"; calling it "absolutely reprehensible”. Some of the games have allowed players to participate in sexual activities with prostitutes and murder them to reclaim the payment.

So the use of a Haitian song in one of their  games is not a coincidence. Many had to fight  this company to correct itself after what many saw as a racist attack and stereotype of Haitians in its release of Grand auto Theft “Vice City.” We hope they continue their promise to continue to help promote Haitian cultire in whatever way. When Haiti is shown in movies, music, or games, it raises awareness about Haitian culture. It helps the world see the rich history, art, and traditions of Haiti. This kind of recognition boosts pride for Haitians everywhere. Films like The Black Panther and music from artists like Wyclef Jean have already helped put Haitian influence in the spotlight.

Including cultures authentically is key. Sometimes, stereotypes sneak into media, which can be harmful. Efforts should focus on genuine portrayals that respect Haitian traditions. Developers can work with Haitian artists and storytellers for accurate representation. This can create a true celebration of Haitian culture, not just a token appearance.

Rockstar’s decision to include “Child Support” in the new GTA sequel marks a proud moment for Haitian music. This step celebrates Haitian culture in a global arena, bringing visibility to our music, stories, and traditions. It’s a reminder that our voices matter, and our culture deserves to be recognized. Let’s keep advocating for authentic representation and continue showing the world the richness of Haitian identity. Celebrate this achievement, and let’s support more stories from Haiti to come to life on big screens, video games, and beyond.

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