Grammy-nominated composer Marty O'Donnell, known for scoring the "Halo" video game series, says he was disinvited from a Halo 25th anniversary reunion at the SacAnime convention in Sacramento because of comments he made while campaigning as a Republican congressional candidate in Nevada. O'Donnell says organisers cited his description of Marxism as an "existential threat" and concerns raised by LGBTQ staff about his attendance, though he believes the real reason is his Republican candidacy. The episode has drawn attention as another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over political speech and "cancel culture" in entertainment and fan communities.

O'Donnell, the Trump-backed Republican nominee for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, said he had been invited in January to appear alongside fellow Halo creators such as Jen Taylor and Steve Downes over the Labor Day weekend, and had even recorded promotional material for the event. He said SacAnime removed him from its website and deleted social media posts about his appearance after his comments, made during an appearance on The WDW Pro Show, resurfaced. O'Donnell argues the disinvitation proves his broader point about Marxism suppressing opposing voices, and vowed to keep speaking out. Fox News Digital said it contacted SacAnime for comment but had not received a response.