Comedian's Raygun Musical Axed After Olympian Reportedly Pursued Legal Action
Comedian Steph Broadbridge said Raygun's legal team claimed she was “damaging” the Olympic breakdancer’s brand.
Raygun (Source: Instagram)
Comedian Steph Broadbridge was set to debut a musical based on Rachael Gunn (aka Raygun) in Sydney on Saturday (7 December), but the event was axed after the Olympian's lawyers reportedly pursued legal action.
Broadbridge took to Instagram on Saturday to announce that the show had been cancelled because Raygun’s lawyers stated that intellectual property laws protected her name and headline-making kangaroo dance.
Addressing fans and ticketholders via Instagram, Broadbridge claimed that “Raygun’s lawyers got in touch with the venue and threatened legal action.” The Aussie comedian offered refunds for everyone keen to attend.
Anthony Skinner, the owner of the iD Comedy Club in Darlinghurst, backed Broadbridge’s claims.
Skinner alleged that an intellectual property lawyer threatened to sue the venue immediately if Broadbridge’s show went ahead.
“It was just too much stress on the performers,” Skinner said to the ABC.
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Broadbridge added that Raygun’s lawyers claimed she was “damaging” the Olympic breakdancer’s brand. Broadbridge quipped, “She doesn't need me to do that.”
She continued, “They were very concerned that people would think that Rachael Gunn was affiliated with the musical. I want to assure everyone she will not be part of the show. She’s very welcome to come; I would love for her to see it. They also said I wasn’t allowed to do the dance, because she owns the kangaroo dance.”
Adding that the comment about Raygun owning the kangaroo dance left her “puzzled,” Broadbridge joked, “That's an Olympic-level dance. How would I possibly be able to do that without any formal breakdancing training?”
Broadbridge then assured punters that the show would happen on another date, sharing her plans to change the main character’s name to separate them from Raygun. She added that the show that would eventuate would contain “a whole new story arc.”
Raygun’s management agency, Born Bred Talent, explained that they had taken “necessary steps” to safeguard Raygun’s integrity and creative rights.
A representative for Born Bred Talent continued, “This action is not intended to diminish the contributions of others, but rather to ensure her brand is properly represented and protected in all future endeavours.”
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