Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn is demanding a whopping $10,000 in legal fees from a small Sydney comedy club that planned to stage a show called Raygun the Musical.
The show, written by comedian Stephanie Broadbridge, was canned at the last minute after the promoter received a legal letter claiming the show infringed on Gunn’s intellectual property.
The Show Must Go On (But Not Really)
The musical was set to take place on December 7, with all proceeds going to a women’s shelter. However, Gunn’s lawyers, Glebe-based 17 Degrees, stepped in and claimed that the show’s concept was a breach of Gunn’s intellectual property, which includes her “story, personal history, Olympic videos, and choreography”. Yeah, you read that right – her choreography.
The Infamous Kangaroo Pose
You might remember Gunn’s much-derided routine at the Paris Olympics, which earned her a score of zero points from the judges. Her lawyers argued that her Olympic-level choreography is a complex sequence of moves and techniques that she created and owns.
The Comedy Club’s Fury
Comedy club promoter Anthony Skinner was furious when he received the bill for $10,000 in legal fees. He said that if he had to pay up, it would put his business at risk of going under. Skinner is calling out Gunn’s legal team for what he believes is an unfair and aggressive move.
The Law: Not on Gunn’s Side?
According to an article in The Conversation and the Law Society Journal, Gunn’s claims may not hold up in court. The authors argue that in Australia, there is no right of publicity, meaning a person’s likeness and name are open for others to use, adapt, and parody. So, Broadbridge can call a character in her musical Raygun without infringing on Gunn’s intellectual property.
Gunn Responds
On social media, Gunn defended her decision to shut down the show, claiming that it was damaging to her relationships and brand. She also clarified that she didn’t trademark the kangaroo pose and that it was inspired by the Australian Olympic mascot, BK, the boxing kangaroo.
The Showstopper
The controversy has sparked a wider conversation about intellectual property and artistic freedom. While Gunn has every right to protect her brand, it’s a shame that it came at the cost of a charity event and an artist’s creative expression.