The ‘Apple’ Dance Creator Is Suing Over Her Viral Choreography Inspired by Charli xcx’s Hit Song

The ‘Apple’ Dance Creator Takes Legal Action Over Viral Choreography

Kelley Heyer, the mastermind behind the famous “Apple” dance inspired by Charli XCX’s hit song of the same name, is now pursuing legal action against Roblox for allegedly using her choreography without permission. According to a lawsuit filed on April 11 in the Central District Court of California and obtained by PEOPLE, Heyer uploaded the dance on TikTok in June 2024 during the peak of the singer’s “brat summer” and later filed for copyright protection. The complaint accuses Roblox Corporation of selling an Apple Dance “emote” (a player avatar) based on her choreography before finalizing any licensing agreements, resulting in a dispute over intellectual property rights.

Heyer’s legal representatives claim that Roblox made $123,000 from the unauthorized sale of the dance emote. Roblox, a widely popular online gaming platform with around 80 million daily users, has refuted the allegations, stating that they take intellectual property matters seriously and maintain their innocence in this case. Miki Anzai, Heyer’s attorney, emphasized the importance of fair compensation for independent creators like Heyer and expressed a willingness to resolve the issue amicably through negotiations.

As the creator of the viral dance, Heyer’s choreography quickly became synonymous with Charli XCX’s song “Apple” and gained immense popularity on platforms like TikTok. Influencers, celebrities, and everyday users alike embraced the dance trend, leading to widespread replication and enjoyment of Heyer’s creation across social media. Notably, Charli XCX herself performed the hit song at Coachella 2025, where attendees including Kylie Jenner, Alex Consani, and Gabbriette joined in the fun by showcasing their best moves to the iconic choreography.

Heyer reflected on the overwhelming response to her dance creation, expressing gratitude for the joy it has brought to countless individuals worldwide. Her initial TikTok post about the dance, made on a whim, has since garnered over 1 million views, highlighting the viral nature of her innovative choreography. The power of music and dance to unite people from diverse backgrounds was evident as individuals of all ages and backgrounds embraced Heyer’s “Apple” dance, showcasing the universal appeal of creative expression in the digital age.

The legal battle between Kelley Heyer and Roblox Corporation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by content creators in protecting their intellectual property in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Despite the dispute, Heyer’s impact on the dance community and her ability to inspire widespread participation in her choreography stand as a testament to the enduring influence of creative individuals in shaping popular culture. As the case unfolds in court, the outcome will likely have implications for how digital platforms and creators navigate the complex terrain of copyright and ownership rights in the online realm.

In a world where viral trends can shape mainstream culture and influence consumer behaviour, the story of the ‘Apple’ dance creator serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and compensating creators for their artistic contributions. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need to uphold intellectual property rights and recognise the value of creative work remains paramount in fostering a fair and sustainable creative ecosystem for artists and content creators alike.