- Primary Subject: Sony Music Lawsuit Over “Bye Bye Bye” Choreography
- Key Update: Choreographer claims unauthorized licensing in film and Fortnite
- Status: Ongoing Legal Case
- Last Verified: April 6, 2026
- Quick Answer: Darrin Henson is suing Sony Music, alleging his “Bye Bye Bye” choreography was licensed without permission for Deadpool & Wolverine and Fortnite.
Sony Music is now facing a new legal dispute involving one of the most iconic dance routines in pop culture.
The company is being sued by choreographer Darrin Henson, who claims that his original “Bye Bye Bye” choreography (famously performed by *NSYNC) was used and licensed without his permission in both Deadpool & Wolverine and Fortnite.
What Is the Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit, filed on March 27 in a U.S. federal court, centers on ownership, with Henson claiming he created the dance independently in 1999 for *NSYNC’s live performances and never transferred the rights to anyone else.
Because of that, he argues that he remains the sole legal owner of the choreography. According to the complaint, Sony allegedly treated the dance as if it were part of the rights it controls through the song and its music video, then licensed it out to third parties — including its use in a major Marvel film and later as a Fortnite emote.
The situation becomes more complicated due to how the dance has evolved in public perception, particularly after Deadpool & Wolverine reignited its popularity across the internet. It was then adapted into Fortnite, introducing it to an even larger audience.
However, Henson argues that this renewed popularity has come at a cost, as the dance is now more closely tied to Deadpool than its original origins, diminishing the credit he deserves. The complaint also raises concerns about profit and attribution.
Henson argues that multiple parties (including performers who recreated the dance in the film and companies that licensed or distributed it) have benefited financially, while he has not received compensation or meaningful acknowledgment.
He further claims that Sony presented itself as having the authority to license the choreography without involving him at any stage. Interestingly, despite helping revive the dance’s popularity, neither Fortnite nor Marvel Studios are listed as defendants in the case.
Instead, the lawsuit focuses specifically on Sony Music’s role in the licensing process, suggesting that any downstream use stems from Sony’s initial decision to distribute the choreography as part of its rights package.
Outside of this dispute, the case also brings attention to a wider issue about how choreography is protected under copyright law, particularly in video games.
While dances can be copyrighted under U.S. law, proving ownership and originality (particularly when movements are broken down or adapted) has historically been difficult.
However, more recent legal developments suggest courts may be starting to take choreography claims more seriously, especially when the work is clearly identifiable and widely recognized.
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