The TikTok influencer behind the viral Charli XCX “Apple” dance, Kelley Heyer, has settled her lawsuit against Roblox, amicably resolving allegations that the gaming platform used her choreography without permission. This settlement marks the end of a legal dispute that highlighted issues of creator rights in digital spaces.
The “Apple” dance, created by Kelley Heyer, emerged as a major TikTok trend in the summer of 2024, inspired by Charli XCX’s song of the same name. It quickly gained widespread popularity, with millions of users replicating the moves, and even became a staple in Charli XCX’s live performances, demonstrating how social media content can influence mainstream entertainment. Heyer’s choreography captured the essence of the song, leading to its viral status and cultural significance.
Heyer filed the lawsuit against Roblox, accusing the platform of incorporating her dance as an emote—a celebratory animation for avatars—without authorization. Her legal team claimed that Roblox profited approximately $123,000 from selling the emote, arguing that this constituted copyright infringement despite the lack of formal registration. This action was taken to seek fair compensation and recognition for her original work, which she felt was exploited.
In its defense, Roblox stated that it had engaged in discussions with Heyer to license the dance for $9,000 as part of a Charli XCX-themed event in the game “Dress to Impress.” The company asserted that it believed it had permission based on these talks, though Heyer’s side contended that no signed agreement was in place. Roblox also highlighted that the emote was released in good faith during the event.
The settlement was confirmed through court documents filed this week, with both parties agreeing to dismiss the case. A joint statement expressed that the dispute was “amicably resolved” and that they wish each other success in their creative pursuits, encouraging others in their artistic endeavors. This outcome avoids a lengthy legal battle and fosters a cooperative approach.
This case brings attention to the complexities of intellectual property in the digital age, where viral content often blurs lines of ownership and compensation. It underscores the need for clearer protocols and respect for creators’ rights, especially as platforms like Roblox integrate real-world cultural elements into virtual environments. Such disputes are becoming more common as digital content creation grows.
Roblox, with about 80 million daily users, is a significant platform in the gaming industry, and this settlement could influence how it and other companies handle similar issues in the future. Promoting transparent licensing practices and fair compensation may lead to better relationships between creators and corporations, benefiting the broader creative community.
Heyer had previously expressed disappointment when her work was used without credit, reflecting broader challenges in the creator economy. The resolution of this lawsuit may serve as a precedent for other creators to assert their rights while encouraging collaborative solutions, ultimately emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and compensating original contributions in online spaces.