Charli XCX Dance Creator Sues Roblox Over Game Use

TikTok influencer Kelley Heyer, creator of the viral "Apple Dance" performed to Charli XCX's track "Apple," has filed a lawsuit against Roblox alleging unauthorized use and monetization of her choreography.

The distinctive dance move - created by Heyer and popularized through TikTok - gained mainstream recognition after being showcased during Charli XCX's concerts and shared on the artist's own social media platforms.

The legal dispute arose when Roblox incorporated the viral dance into a promotional event featuring Charli XCX within its popular fashion game Dress to Impress. According to court documents obtained by Polygon, Heyer maintains that while Roblox initially contacted her regarding licensing, negotiations never concluded satisfactorily.

Heyer confirms she commercially licensed her creation to other platforms like Fortnite and Netflix through formal agreements, but claims Roblox deployed the emote for sale without her authorization. Court filings indicate the virtual dance sold over 60,000 copies through Roblox's platform, generating approximately $123,000 in revenue.

The lawsuit emphasizes that while the emote appeared during a Charli XCX-themed event, the choreography itself represents Heyer's independent intellectual property unrelated to the musical artist or song.

Heyer's legal team alleges copyright infringement and unjust enrichment, seeking compensation equivalent to Roblox's earnings plus damages for reputational harm, alongside legal fees.

Update 2:15 p.m. PT: Attorney Miki Anzai issued the following statement: "Roblox proceeded with unauthorized use of Kelley's intellectual property absent a finalized agreement. As an independent creator deserving fair compensation, we deemed legal action necessary to protect her rights. We remain amenable to settlement discussions."