Comedian Steapnie Broadbridge has apologized to Olympic breakdancer Rachel ‘Raygun’ Gunn after her legal team shut down a musical that was to be inspired by the B-girl’s trip to the Paris Games.
A test show of ‘Breaking: The Musical’, which was written by Broadbridge and was due to take place at the Kinselas in Darlinghurst, Sydney, on Saturday, was canceled after Gunn’s lawyers sent a cease and desist letter to the organizers of the show.
Their lawyers had threatened legal action against the venue and its promoter to protect their clients’ “intellectual property”. They had also issued the cease and desist letter to protect the reputation of their client’s brand and ensure it “remained strong and respected.”
Broadbridge, who was set to star in the show, stated that the show will still air in some form, but apologised. The Channel 10 Project on Sunday night.
“If you’re watching, I just want to tell you that I’m very sorry for any negativity you may have received as a result of this,” Broadbridge said in a speech directed at the Olympic breakdancer.
‘I can promise you that was not my intention. It was supposed to be me trying to make you feel like the icon I think you can be in Australia.
Comedian Stepahnie Broadbridge has apologized to Rachel ‘Raygun’ Gunn after her musical was cancelled.
‘Breaking: The Musical’, a parody based on the rise of Olympian B-girl Raygun, was canceled at the last minute after lawyers for the real Raygun threatened legal action on Saturday.
Raygun’s legal team issued the notice after a trademarked silhouette image of the B-girl was used on a promotional poster for the show.
‘I just wanted to support you through this. “If there has been any negativity, I am very sorry.”
Raygun has become an Australian cult hero after he jumped like a kangaroo during his performance at the Paris Olympics.
While she failed to score any points at the Olympics, many have hailed her as a sporting icon following her performance, but Raygun has also received some backlash from online trolls.
She has been praised and trolled by some online and has recently been seen partying with Richard Branson and Boy George.
Meanwhile, Broadbridge added that she had had no direct contact with the Breakdance star, stating: “I don’t know if she has a problem with that.”
‘I haven’t spoken to her. His lawyers have not spoken to me.
‘(I’ve) been very far from what’s happening. I hope she still wants to see it.’
The issue is understood to have arisen from a trademarked image of Raygun’s silhouette dancing during his performance at the Paris Olympics, which was used on a poster for the show. Lawyers were concerned that the comedian also used Raygun’s famous dance moves during the performance.
Broadbridge said the musical was not intended to be “unpleasant or done with any kind of malice” toward Raygun.
The show contains original songs including ‘You May Be a B-Girl But You’ll Always Be an A-Girl to Me’ and ‘I Would Have Won But I Pulled a Muscle.’
“To me, she (Raygun) is an Australian icon, an Australian female icon, a white Australian female icon and I thought, ‘I could play that,'” Broadbridge said, speaking in Raygun.
‘I am very excited to tell his story.
“It wasn’t supposed to be unpleasant or done with any kind of malice and it certainly wasn’t meant to happen on the scale that it did.” “This was supposed to be very low-key.”
He added: “It wasn’t supposed to be unpleasant or done with any kind of malice and it certainly wasn’t meant to happen on the scale that it did.” “This was supposed to be very low-key.”
But when asked if the musical was taking the cake, he said: “Oh no, it’s a great moment.” But with love!’
Raygun’s legal team has issued a statement expressing their reasoning for issuing the cease and desist letter.
“While we have immense respect for the credible work and effort that has gone into developing the show, we must take the necessary steps to safeguard Rachael’s creative rights and the integrity of her work,” said Born Bred Talent representatives. in a statement.
The comedian called Raygun (pictured) an “Australian female icon” before claiming the B-girl had not been involved in the planning of the show but would extend her an invitation.
“This action is not intended to diminish the contributions of others, but rather to ensure that their brand is appropriately represented and protected in all future efforts.”
Broadridge confirmed the show would not take place on Saturday after sending a message to fans on social media.
“They were… worried that I was damaging their (Raygun) brand, something I would never do… She doesn’t need me to do that,” he said.
He added that those who had purchased tickets to the show would be refunded $10 of their ticket price.
‘Their lawyers registered my sign, which is flattering. “I hope they do something fun with it,” he added.
It comes as Gunn had attempted to register the name ‘Raygun’ in August, but that hit a sticking point as the Australian breakdancer’s application was blocked by a review in October.
Broadbridge had confirmed that Gunn was not involved in the production of the show, but had extended an invitation to the B-girl.
The comedian had issued a hilarious reaction to the show’s cancellation online, telling her Instagram followers, while dressed as the Australian breakdancer: “Hi, I’m comedian Steph Broadbridge, I’m hanging out in my casual daytime clothes.” “.
She issued a humorous response to Raygun’s lawyers on social media Saturday morning.
‘My test show tonight for Raygun the Musical has been cancelled.
‘Raygun’s lawyers contacted the venue and threatened legal action, so we will refund everyone their $10.
‘Halo has trademarked my poster, which is flattering, I hope they do something fun with it.
‘They were also worried that I was damaging their brand, something I would never do.
“She doesn’t need me to do that.”
He added: “They were very concerned that people would think that Rachael Gunn was affiliated with the musical. I want to assure everyone that she will not be a part of the show.”
Broadbridge invited Raygun to the show before adding: “They (Gunn’s lawyers) also said they wouldn’t allow me to dance because she owns the kangaroo dance.”
‘That one baffled me, I mean, it’s an Olympic level dance. How could I do that without any formal breakdancing training?
‘Anyway, to alleviate the concerns of Raygun’s lawyers, I will be changing the character’s name to Raygun with an I.
“So I hope that addresses everyone’s concerns.”