first, minor point but that’s not what death of the author refers to. it was a proposal for interpreting texts independently of any “intention.” barthes had nothing to say about the ethics of media consumption.

second, the issue is not so much with the messages of the book/movie/video game franchise itself, but with the fact that it puts money directly in the pocket of a trans exterminationist. to make a comparison that, no, i don’t think is overwrought, buying one of hitler’s paintings after he became fuhrer wasn’t bad because the content of the painting is offensive.