If you’ve been playing Madden 26 recently, you may have noticed a subtle but notable change to the game’s soundtrack. EA Sports has removed a track by d4vd from the game, quietly pulling the song amid an ongoing and deeply troubling real-world investigation connected to the artist.
D4vd’s song “What Are You Waiting For” was originally included as part of Madden 26’s licensed soundtrack, playing across menus and various modes. At some point in recent days, however, the track was removed via an update. While EA Sports has not issued a public statement explaining the decision, the timing aligns with serious developments surrounding the performer that have begun to ripple across the entertainment industry.
The removal from Madden 26 is not the only consequence for the artist. D4vd had also been scheduled to appear at the Spilt Milk festival in Australia, but organizers confirmed that he would no longer be performing. Like EA, festival organizers have not gone into extensive detail, instead announcing the change without additional comment as the situation continues to unfold.
The decisions stem from an active investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas, a teenager whose body was discovered in September inside the trunk of a car registered to d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. According to police, the vehicle was emitting a strong odor and was towed, at which point Rivas’ body was found.
Authorities have stated that Burke was out of state at the time of the discovery, as he was traveling on tour. Despite that, police have publicly identified him as a suspect in the investigation. An official cause of death has not yet been released, with officials citing case security concerns. At this stage, it is also unclear whether any criminal charges will be filed or whether potential culpability extends beyond the alleged concealment of Rivas’ body.
Multiple outlets, including NBC News and ABC, have reported that Burke remains a suspect as the investigation continues. No formal charges have been announced, and law enforcement has emphasized that the case is ongoing.
For EA Sports, the move follows a familiar pattern seen across the industry, where licensed music, likenesses, or content is removed when an associated figure becomes linked to serious legal matters. While players may notice the absence, the decision reflects a broader effort to distance major entertainment products from unresolved and sensitive situations as authorities continue their work.
At the time of writing, neither EA Sports nor Burke’s representatives have issued further public statements regarding the removal.
