'Raygun: The Musical', created by comedian Steph Broadbridge, was set to parody Rachael Gunn's Olympic journey but was cancelled after Gunn's legal team issued a cease and desist letter regarding her trademarked dance moves.
Legal Battle Halts 'Raygun: The Musical' Ahead of Premier
Legal Battle Halts 'Raygun: The Musical' Ahead of Premier
The comedic musical inspired by Olympian Rachael Gunn’s journey to the Olympics faces cancellation due to a legal threat over intellectual property rights.
In an unexpected twist for the Australian entertainment scene, the musical parody 'Raygun: The Musical', which aimed to chronicle Olympic breaker Rachael Gunn’s story, has been indefinitely postponed following a legal challenge from the athlete herself. Comedian Steph Broadbridge, who crafted the show and was part of its cast, announced the show's cancellation just days before its opening night at Kinselas in Darlinghurst, Sydney.
Gunn's legal representatives issued a cease and desist order, claiming that she holds ownership over specific dance moves featured in the production. These moves, such as the popular kangaroo-hop and the sprinkler, gained traction after Gunn's viral performance at the Olympic Games. "We are committed to protecting Rachael's intellectual property and ensuring her brand remains robust and respected," stated Gunn's legal team in a message to the Guardian.
In a humorous yet perplexed Instagram video, Broadbridge responded to the cease and desist comments regarding the kangaroo dance, stating, "How would I possibly be able to do that without any formal breakdancing training?" Originally scheduled for debut on Saturday, the show was met with swift action from Gunn's team, which has now reportedly trademarked the promotional posters for the musical, effectively blocking its progress.
Broadbridge reassured her followers that she intended to rework the show and return with a varied narrative. All ticketholders for the trial performance would receive refunds, as she expressed her commitment to protecting both her work and Gunn's brand. “They were concerned I was damaging her brand, which I would never,” she noted, suggesting that the show would emerge stronger after these hurdles.
In the wake of Gunn's Olympic performance, which earned her no points and elimination, she faced a significant backlash online. This criticism influenced her decision to retire from breaking, a choice made public late last year. In her efforts to alleviate concerns, she mentioned plans to rename her character to "Raygun with an I."
In closing, Gunn's legal team emphasized that the enforcement of her rights is not about undermining contributions from others. Instead, they highlighted their commitment to ensuring that her brand remains properly represented and respected in all future engagements, underscoring the evolving landscape of creative rights in the realm of arts and entertainment.
