Fortnite’s Deadpool ‘Bye Bye Bye’ Emote Could Be Permanent Loss, Discover the Reason

In recent weeks, Fortnite has found itself at the center of yet another controversy, this time involving a copyright dispute linked to its ‘Bye Bye Bye’ emote, which draws inspiration from a famous NSYNC dance. Following a series of layoffs and recent mode discontinuations, this legal issue represents a significant challenge for the game, potentially sustaining the emote in a vaulted state permanently. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the situation surrounding the emote and the ongoing lawsuit.

Lawsuit Details: NSYNC Choreographer Files Against Sony

The conflict originated from a lawsuit submitted on March 27, 2026, by Darrin Henson, celebrated for his work as the choreographer for NSYNC’s iconic music video for “Bye Bye Bye.”Henson has taken legal action against Sony Music Holdings, asserting that the label permitted the use of his choreography in both Fortnite and the upcoming film Deadpool & Wolverine without securing his consent, specifically regarding the emote based on his routine.

Fortnite Bye Bye Bye emote news — Image Credit: X / HYPEX

In Henson’s lawsuit, he emphasizes: “The reality is that the work belongs to Henson, and to obtain full acknowledgment of his ownership and a complete transfer of all monies earned by SME and its licensees, the plaintiff must seek declaratory relief from the court.” While Sony retains the rights to the song’s audio recording, Henson stands firm in his claim that the distinctive choreography associated with the song is his intellectual property. This case is particularly noteworthy as it refers to the dance’s debut at the 2000 MTV VMAs, an event during which Henson was honored for his choreography.

Epic Games is known for steering clear of features tied to ongoing legal disputes, meaning players may have to wait until the legal proceedings clarify who holds the rights before the emote can make a return. Furthermore, if the lawsuit does not favor Sony, it could result in the complete invalidation of the emote’s license.

This isn’t the first time Epic has navigated legal challenges involving Fortnite emotes; however, Henson’s case carries substantial weight under U. S.law as it concerns a fully choreographed routine rather than just a short movement snippet.

Are you a proud owner of the Bye Bye Bye emote in Fortnite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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