Fortnite creators Epic Games sued over dance by mother of 'orange shirt kid'

The mother of a Fortnite fan known online as Orange Shirt Kid is suing the game's creators for including a dance he created. It is the latest lawsuit to be brought against Epic Games relating to emote dance moves, following similar cases brought forward by Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor Alfonso Ribeiro and'Backpack Kid' Russell Horning. The latest lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages for Epic Games including the'Orange Justice' emote within Fortnite. It states: "Through its unauthorised misappropriation of Orange Shirt Kid's highly popular signature dance, the'Random,' along with his well-known catchphrase'It's also a great exercise move!" in its smash-hit, violent video game, Fortnite Battle Royale, defendants have unfairly profited from exploiting Orange Shirt Kid's protected creative expression, likeness, and trademark without consent or authorisation." The lawsuit goes on to describe Orange Shirt Kid as a "child performer", adding that the dance move and catchphrase is "now inextricably linked to Orange Shirt Kid and continue to be a part of his celebrity persona."