The choreographer behind one of pop music’s most recognisable routines is taking legal action against a major music corporation, alleging his work was used without permission in a blockbuster film and one of the world’s biggest games.
Darrin Henson, who created the choreography for *NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye,” has filed a lawsuit against Sony Music Holdings, claiming the company unlicensed his work for use in Deadpool & Wolverine and Fortnite. The complaint was lodged on March 27, with Henson arguing Sony had no authority to license the choreography in the first place.
NSYNC – Medley at Radio Music Awards
According to the filing, as reported by Billboard, Henson maintains that ownership of the dance belongs solely to him and is seeking both a declaration of his rights and a full transfer of any monies earned through its use.
A Dance With History
The routine originally debuted at the 1999 Radio Music Awards during an *NSYNC medley performance, with Henson going on to win an MTV Video Music Award for the choreography in 2000.
Crimson Desert x Fortnite: Kliff skin available now via Epic Games store purchase
The dance saw a major resurgence after appearing in the opening sequence of Deadpool & Wolverine, with Ryan Reynolds’ beloved antihero performing it during an action set piece. Fortnite subsequently added it as an emote on September 24, 2024, though it vanished from the item shop just five days later and hasn’t returned since.
Epic Games is not named in the suit. Whether the emote ever makes a comeback now seems increasingly unlikely.
For the latest updates like this, check out the gaming news section!
