Oh My Gosh Its A Lawsuit Update
Season 9 Episode 7 of Rick and Morty has a scene where Rick sings or rather tries to sing the opening line of the “Circle of Life” from The Lion King… Nants’ingonyama.
It got me thinking, whatever became of that 27 million dollar lawsuit between the composer Lebo M and comedian Learnmore Jonasi regarding an interpretation of the opening chant.
Learnmore Jonasi posted a cheeky update on his socials with a slideshow of him posing on a toilet seat that’s run out of toilet paper…
“Public Update: To everyone who has been following the Lion King lawsuit. My attorney has informed me that Lebo M has files an amended complaint. He has dropped all the original state law claims, including defamation, trade libel, and intentional interference with economic advantage.
The case is now focused solely on federal trademark claims.
It’s interesting to see how the case has evolved. Since the original claims were dropped, the apparent focus is now on whether Lebo M has any trademark rights to “It’s a Lion” that can be protected under trademark law and whether those rights are superior to my First Amendment rights.
While I’m surprised this is the current direction of the case, I will let the courts decide.
From the beginning, my content has been comedy and satire. Those who understand my work know the context and the humour behind it. My legal team believes these remaining claims have no merit, and will be filing a motion to dismiss.
We are confident that the full context of my work and the protection for comedy and free expression under the First Amendment will speak for themselves.”
I think I will be fine”
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