Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn has apologized to indigenous Australians after her infamous kangaroo dance was alleged to be an example of cultural appropriation.
The Australian breakdancer took to Instagram on Friday to “correct some misinformation” after her legal team shut down a musical inspired by her Olympic performance.
Comedian Stephanie Broadbridge announced last Saturday that her trial show titled ‘Breaking: The Musical’ had been canceled after Ms. Gunn’s lawyers sent a cease and desist letter.
Broadbridge claimed Gunn’s lawyers had trademarked his kangaroo dance because the viral Olympian “owns it.”
This led many critics to accuse Raygun of cultural appropriation because the ‘roo dance’ has been a feature of indigenous culture for centuries.
But Ms Gunn responded on Friday, stating her jive’in no way imitates Aboriginal dance.”
“Instead, he was inspired by the Australian Olympic mascot ‘BK’, the boxing kangaroo, and wanted to represent and celebrate that spirit,” he said.
“I know this misinformation has upset many members of the Indigenous community and I am sorry and truly sorry that this was not corrected sooner.”
Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn (pictured) has taken to social media to ‘correct some misinformation’ that has put her in the spotlight once again.
“I have the greatest respect for indigenous Australians who are part of the oldest living culture on the planet.”
Instead, he revealed that he had registered his name and the “famous kangaroo silhouette pose” to prevent third parties from trying to profit from his name and image.
“Yes, I have trademarked my name and my now famous kangaroo silhouette pose, which is used on almost every Raygun product out there, which, by the way, I am not profiting from,” he said.
‘And the reason we did it is because we were notified that there were requests from other parties trying to register my name and image for commercial purposes. I mean totally wild.
Raygun also spoke of his sadness that his legal team shut down Ms. Broadbridge’s musical so close to its opening night.
The musical was due to open at Kinselas in Darlinghurst Sydney on December 7.
Raygun said he only learned about the musical last Friday through media reports and insisted that “not being able to take a joke is not the problem here.”
“This took us completely by surprise and, unfortunately, the blowback was rapid,” Raygun said.
Raygun said his signature kangaroo dance move “in no way imitates Aboriginal dance.” Raygun is pictured performing the move at the Paris Olympics.
Raygun also discussed ‘Breaking: The Musical’, comedian and musician Steph Broadbridge’s (pictured) new show based on her Olympic journey that was shut down by Raygun’s lawyers.
“People assumed we had developed it, that we had approved it, and it damaged a lot of relationships, both personal and professional.”
“That’s why my legal and management team had to work so quickly to close the musical.”
Raygun said it was “unfortunate” that the program was closed just before its opening.
“I know the artist would have worked a lot and that really sucks,” Raygun said.
—But had we known it before? There could have been a different outcome.”
According to a eventbrite On the list, ‘Breaking: The Musical’ was supposed to feature a dozen actors and songs, including ‘You May Be a B-Girl, But You’ll Always Be an A-Girl to Me,’ ‘I’m Breaking Down,’ and ‘ I would have won but I hurt a muscle.’
The Eventbrite listing indicated that all proceeds from the event would be donated to the Women and Girls Emergency Center at Redfern in Sydney.
the organization website states, create ‘safer futures for women and children by ending gender-based violence in a generation.’
Global star: NFL star Camryn Bynu (pictured, center) imitated Raygun’s routine when he scored a touchdown last month.
Broadbridge confirmed that ‘Breaking: The Musical’ would not continue on social media on Saturday morning saying it had been ‘cancelled’.
“They were… worried that I was damaging their brand,” Ms Broadbridge said.
“Which I would never do… She doesn’t need me to do that,” he said.
Ms Broadbridge claimed the show will still air in some form but apologized to Raygun on Channel 10’s The Project on Sunday night.
“If you’re watching, I just want to say that I’m very sorry for any negativity you may have received as a result of this,” Ms Broadbridge said.
‘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.’
‘I just wanted to support you through this. “If there has been any negativity, I am very sorry.”