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TikToker sues Roblox over her Charli XCX ‘Apple’ dance
TikToker Kelley Heyer sued Roblox for using her dance to Charli XCX’s song 'Apple' without permission. After creating the viral dance in June 2024, it was popularized during Charli XCX's live performances. While Fortnite obtained rights to use the dance, Heyer claims Roblox profited over $123,000 from its sale of emotes without her consent, highlighting issues of copyright in user-generated content.
Key points
- Kelley Heyer sued Roblox for using her viral Apple dance without permission.
- Heyer created the dance in June 2024, inspired by Charli XCX's album Brat.
- Charli XCX incorporated the dance into her performances, raising its profile.
- While Fortnite obtained permission for the dance, Roblox allegedly did not.
- Roblox reportedly profited over $123,000 from emotes of the dance without licensing it.
Why it matters
- The case reflects ongoing challenges regarding intellectual property rights in platforms reliant on user-generated content.
- It parallels other cases in the gaming industry where creators seek recognition and compensation.
- As of 2025, the rising trend in IT is the emphasis on better copyright solutions and fair usage policies in gaming and social media.
This lawsuit underscores the critical need for clearer copyright agreements in collaborative platforms, especially as user-generated content continues to shape industries like gaming and social media.