An Australian comic has cancelled a musical about breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, citing a menace from the Olympian’s authorized workforce who feared it might harm her fame.
Raygun: The Musical had been set to open in Sydney on Saturday (Dec 7), that includes dance strikes from the 37-year-old’s Paris Olympic efficiency, which turned one thing of a worldwide laughingstock.
The Australian’s unorthodox routine, which included kangaroo hops and imitating a sprinkler, did not impress the judges on the Video games.
The strikes, and her retro inexperienced tracksuit, have been lampooned on-line and mocked on late-night speak reveals.
“Raygun’s legal professionals acquired in contact with the venue and threatened authorized motion,” comic Steph Broadbridge stated in a weekend message on social media.
The dancer’s legal professionals have been “frightened I used to be damaging her model which I’d by no means do – she would not want me to try this”.
Broadbridge stated the legal professionals had asserted that she was not allowed to carry out the dance strikes as a result of Gunn “owns the kangaroo dance”.
“That one did puzzle me. I imply, that’s an Olympic degree dance. How would I probably do this with none formal breakdancing coaching?” she stated.
Broadbridge stated she would carry out at a later date and alter the spelling of Raygun to incorporate the letter “i” in an try to alleviate authorized considerations.
The comic gave her response whereas carrying a inexperienced tracksuit and cap, describing it as her “informal daywear”.
Gunn introduced her retirement from competitors earlier this yr, citing a “actually upsetting” backlash following her Olympics efficiency.
Her administration company Born Bred Expertise stated it wished to make sure the breakdancer’s picture remained “sturdy and revered”.
“Whereas we have now immense respect for the credible work and energy that has gone into the event of the present, we should take essential steps to safeguard Rachael’s artistic rights and the integrity of her work,” the company informed Australian broadcaster ABC.
“This motion is just not supposed to decrease the contributions of others, however fairly to make sure her model is correctly represented and guarded in all future endeavours.”
Whereas many ridiculed Raygun’s Olympic efficiency, she gained assist from others, together with fellow Australian Olympians and Australia’s prime minister.
