Alfonso Ribeiro sues Epic Games for use of 'Carlton' dance in 'Fortnite'

Published by

teaser

Interesting, can you copyright a dance as IP? If you are my age you grew up with the Fresh Prince of Bell air, where Carlton made its ever so popular dance hereafter referred to as the Carlton' dance. You've at least seen it pass by once in your life. That dance ended up in Fortnite.



Ribeiro alleges Epic Games used his dance under the name "Fresh," which players could then purchase to customize their characters in "Fortnite." The complaint said although the dance is "misleadingly labeled" in the game, players instantly recognize it as "The Carlton Dance," named after Ribeiro's character in "The Fresh Prince."

Ribeiro, best known as Carlton Banks from the 1990s "Fresh Prince" sitcom, says in the court filings that he is "inextricably linked" to the dance -- a joyous, arm-swinging boogie often performed to Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual."

Twenty-seven years later, The Dance remains distinctive, immediately recognizable, and inextricably linked to Ribeiro's identity, celebrity, and likeness," the lawsuits say. He's asking for a judge's order to stop both games from using his moves. Ribeiro says he is currently in the middle of copyrighting the dance. Epic Games and Take Two spokesmen didn't respond to requests for comment.



Share this content
Twitter Facebook Reddit WhatsApp Email Print