Global sensation Raygun’s legal team has dashed the hopes of an Australian comedian who was preparing to debut her new musical based on the breakdancer’s Olympic journey.
A test show of ‘Breaking: The Musical’ written by and starring Steph Broadbridge was performed. move on at Kinselas in Darlinghurst, Sydneyat 7 pm on Saturday but it has been cancelled. after lawyers for Raygun, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, sent a cease and desist letter.
The 90-minute show follows Gunn’s acceptance and performance in the breakdancing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, which launched her to viral fame with her bizarre moves that include writhing on the ground like a snake and jumping like a kangaroo. .
Ms Gunn’s lawyers threatened legal action against the venue and its promoter to protect their client’s “intellectual property” and ensure “her brand remains strong and respected”.
“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.
“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.”
Broadbridge, a comedian and musician, confirmed on social media on Saturday morning that the show would not continue, saying it had been “cancelled.”
“They were… worried that I was damaging their brand, which I would never do… She doesn’t need me to do that,” he said.
‘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, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, is represented by Born Bred Talent, which said in a statement that the show threatened to damage its client’s brand.
Broadbridge said Gunn’s representatives ended her show and even registered her promotional poster on which she posed as Raygun.
“Raygun’s lawyers contacted the venue and threatened legal action, so we’re going to refund everyone their $10 or compensation ticket for that,” he said.
‘Their lawyers registered my sign, which is flattering. I hope they do something fun with it.”
Gunn’s lawyers feared there might be some confusion about their client being involved in the production of the show, according to Broadbridge.
Ms Gunn attempted to register the ‘RAYGUN’ trademark in August, but the application remains under review as an “adverse report” published in October effectively blocked the claim.
Broadbridge clarified that Gunn would not be involved in the production, but extended an invitation if he wanted to participate in the future.
He was also told he was not allowed to replicate one of Ms Gunn’s signature moves.
‘They said they wouldn’t allow me to do the dance because she owns the kangaroo dance.
—That one did puzzle me. I mean it’s an Olympic level dance, how could I do it without any formal break dancing training?
Australian comedian and musician Steph Broadbridge (pictured), who was behind the production, confirmed the cancellation of her show on social media on Saturday morning.
The parody show was intended to represent Ms Gunn’s promotion to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In a separate trademark application, Ms Gunn managed to register a silhouette of her performing the kangaroo dance, which was accepted on November 15.
Coincidentally, the second trademark application was filed on the same day Broadbridge first promoted its musical, September 25.
Going forward, Broadbridge confirmed that she intends to continue making the show, but will now change her character’s name to ‘Raigun’ to avoid any confusion.
Breaking: The Musical was originally presented as “a parody exploration of a breakdancer’s journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
The script contained songs called “You may be a B girl, but you’ll always be an A girl to me” and “I’m breaking down” along with the intriguing “I would have won but I pulled a muscle.” .
What particularly perplexed Ms Broadbridge about the threat of legal action was that Ms Gunn’s representatives had claimed to own copyright to her iconic kangaroo dance.
Gunn’s management, Born Bred Talent, said the show came to its attention after it “caused confusion among audiences, potentially leading them to believe that (the musical) had Rachael’s endorsement or approval.”
All proceeds from the event would be donated to the Emergency Center for Women and Girls, which helps disadvantaged women. in Sydney city centre, but will be refunded instead.
Broadbridge said it intended to resume the show with adjustments in 2025.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Born Bred Talent and Steph Broadbridge for comment.