TikToker Sues Roblox Over Charli XCX Dance

TikTok Creator Sues Roblox Over Dance Usage

Kelley Heyer, a content creator on TikTok, has initiated legal action against Roblox. The lawsuit centers around the unauthorized use of a dance created by Heyer.

The Origin of the Dance

Heyer originally posted the dance, set to Charli XCX’s song “Apple,” in June 2024. The dance quickly gained traction, fueled by the popularity of Charli XCX’s summer album, “Brat.”

The dance’s widespread appeal led to its inclusion in Charli XCX’s live performances. Heyer was even invited to perform the choreography alongside the artist during a concert in New York City.

Dance Incorporation into Games

Both Fortnite and Roblox, prominent games favored by younger audiences, integrated the dance into their platforms. Players were given the opportunity to acquire “emotes” featuring the dance for their in-game avatars.

While Fortnite secured Heyer’s consent to license the dance’s choreography, she claims that Roblox proceeded without obtaining a formal agreement.

Legal Representation and Claims

“Roblox utilized Kelley’s intellectual property (IP) without a properly executed contract,” stated Miki Anzai, Heyer’s legal counsel. “As an independent creator, Ms. Heyer deserves just compensation for her work, and pursuing legal recourse was deemed necessary to establish this principle.”

Anzai further expressed a willingness to negotiate a settlement and reach an amicable resolution.

Estimated Revenue from the Dance

Reports from Polygon indicate that Heyer estimates Roblox generated over $123,000 in revenue. This figure is based on the sale of more than 60,000 emotes replicating the “Apple” dance.

Roblox’s Response

Roblox released a statement addressing the situation. The company emphasized its commitment to protecting intellectual property rights.

“Roblox prioritizes the safeguarding of intellectual property and is dedicated to upholding the rights of independent developers, creators, and brands, both within and beyond our platform,” the statement read.

The company highlighted its role as a platform driven by a creator community and its dedication to intellectual property protection.