Former star from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Alfonso Ribeiro has decided to be involved in a lawsuit with publisher of NBA 2K and publisher of Fortnite because of the avatars in the game doing his dance he popularized in the hit 90s sitcom Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. A letter from a supervisory registration specialist with the US Copyright Office to Ribeiro attorney, corresponding, saying the moves are a simple dance routine and that the single dance step is not registered as a choreographic work.
The “Carlton Dance” has always been a hit since it was popularized on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in the 90s. I understand where Ribeiro is coming from with wanting to protect his dance from any usage without him getting credit for it because he technically did make it. Trying to take it to higher authority and sue the people that used it without permission was a fail and a slap in the face all in one. The specialist basically said his dance was not good enough or even worth him having that type of authority over it. Although she called it a simple dance routine, it was “simply” popularized by Ribeiro and he has the right to own it. The dance is significant and he has every right to tame his moves.
Why is it so difficult to put ownership to something that belongs to you? That is pretty much the only question that I have.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/15/entertainment/alfonso-ribeiro-carlton-dance/index.html
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