Fortnite creators sued by Fresh Prince star Alfonso Ribeiro over use of ‘Carlton Dance’ in video game
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor claims popular game ‘unfairly profited’ by using his famous moves
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor Alfonso Ribeiro is suing the makers of video game Fortnite over the use of a dance he popularised on the US sitcom.
Ribeiro, 47, has alleged Fortnite creator Epic Games ripped off the “Carlton Dance” his character made famous during the hit 1990s show starring Will Smith.
He is also taking action against 2K Games, the makers of the NBA 2K basketball series, which he claims similarly used the dance without his permission.
In two separate lawsuits filed on Monday, Ribeiro alleged the companies unfairly profited from his “creative expression, likeness and celebrity” by allowing players to perform the routine in the games.
The actor is in the process of copyrighting the dance, according to legal papers, and will seek damages from both firms.
The dance was made famous during The Fresh Prince’s TV run, when Ribeiro’s character, Smith's geeky cousin and sidekick Carlton Banks, often performed the moves accompanied by the Tom Jones hit It’s Not Unusual.
Fortnite is currently one of the most popular video games in the world, allowing players to compete against each other online in various survival-style game modes.
Ribeiro appeared on British television screens when he took part in the 2013 series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.
The following year, he won Dancing with the Stars, the US version of Strictly Come Dancing, one week incorporating the Carlton Dance into his performance.
Neither Epic Games nor 2K Games have responded to the lawsuit.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments