He Spawned 'The Carlton.' He Doesn't Want Fortnite Using It

Alfonso Ribeiro is suing maker of 'most popular video game in the world'
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 18, 2018 9:30 AM CST
Fresh Prince Star Balks at Dance Used in 'Most Popular Game'
In this Aug. 7, 2018, file photo, Alfonso Ribeiro is seen in Beverly Hills, Calif.   (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)

The "most popular video game" in the world is accused of hijacking a longtime popular dance move—and the actor who spawned it is suing. NBC News reports Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton Banks on the '90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has filed a complaint against Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, as well as against Take-Two Interactive, which produces NBA 2K, claiming that characters in those two video games have ripped off his character's namesake dance, "The Carlton"; this video compares the two versions.

"It is widely recognized that Mr. Ribeiro's likeness and intellectual property have been misappropriated by Epic Games in Fortnite," a rep from the 47-year-old actor's legal team says in a statement to Variety, which notes Ribeiro wasn't asked if his dance could be used, or paid for it, per the suit. Ribeiro is said to be trying to copyright the dance and wants the two companies to stop using it in their games, per NBC. Meanwhile, Instagram sensation Backpack Kid, who's known for doing "The Floss," is also suing the gaming companies for using his own moves, as is rapper 2 Milly for the "Milly Rock." (At least no one appears to be getting hurt doing these dances.)

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