Creator of Charli XCX’s ‘Apple’ dance suing Roblox
The TikTok creator who created the viral ‘Apple’ dance trend for Charli XCX’s smash hit from Brat is reportedly suing Roblox.
Roblox recently added an update to the fashion-focused mini-game ‘Dress To Impress’. Included alongside outfits in that infamous green, the service offered players the chance to access an emote that recreated the short dance.
According to Polygon, Heyer filed the lawsuit in California earlier this week. Heyer was reportedly discussing a license that allowed the use of her dance in the mini-game with Roblox. However, they reportedly went ahead with the launch before the agreement was made or finalised.
Over the two months it was available, over 60,000 players purchased the dancing emote. The dance is officially licensed to Fortnite and to Netflix, but she has yet to receive any compensation from Roblox.
Heyer’s attorney, Miki Anzai, released a statement on the matter. ““Roblox moved forward using Kelley’s IP without a signed agreement,” she said.
She continued: “Kelley is an independent creator who should be compensated fairly for her work and we saw no other option than to file suit to prove that. We remain willing and open to settle and hope to come to a peaceful agreement.”
Roblox were quick to respond with a statement, “As a platform powered by a community of creators, Roblox takes the protection of intellectual property very seriously and is committed to protecting intellectual property rights of independent developers and creators to brands and artists both on and off the platform.”
The platform rounded off the statement with a self-assured remark: “Roblox is confident in its position and the propriety of its dealings in this matter and looks forward to responding in court.”
Charli XCX has not commented on these proceedings.
