‘Lion King’ composer sues comedian for $27M over ‘Circle of Life’ joke
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi is facing a $27 million lawsuit for making a joke about the lyrics of the opening song of the Disney movie “The Lion King.”
While visible on the screen One54 Africa podcast Last month, Jonasi jokingly said that “Nants’ingonyama bagithi Baba”, the African opening hymn of his song “Circle of Life”, included “Look! There’s a lion! Oh my god!” He claimed it meant.
South African composer Lebohang Morake, aka Lebo M, is the vocalist behind the opening hymn. blamed the comedian A legal document dated March 16 insists “misrepresentations have been made about the meaning of the composition ‘Nants’ingonyama'” and insists it means “All hail the king, we all bow before the king.”
BABYLON BEE SETS LEGAL WINNING ON THE HAWAII GOVERNMENT’S ‘WAR AGAINST POLITICAL MEMES AND SATURY’ IN FEDERAL COURT
Composer Lebo M has filed a lawsuit against comedian Learnmore Jonasi over his claims regarding the translation of the opening song of Disney’s “The Lion King” movie. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
He claimed that Jonasi had devalued the song, which could have a negative impact on Morake’s reputation and legacy, and sought more than $27 million in damages.
One Instagram video On March 13, Jonasi admitted talking to Morake about the prank, which reportedly led to a harsh confrontation.
“When this man first approached me, he approached me with an attitude that said I was disrespecting his work, right?” said Jonasi. “And I said, ‘No, I’m actually a big fan of yours. I actually love the song.’ So it was just a joke, and comedy has always had a way of starting a conversation. That’s what I told him. Now this is your chance to educate people, because now people are listening.”
Jonasi claimed Morake referred to him as a “self-hating” Black man and an “idiot” for telling the joke.
JONATHAN TURLEY: AFROMAN TURNS THE COURT INTO A FIRST AMENDMENT RAP LESSON ON RIGHTS
Learn more Jonasi accused Lebo M. of calling him a “self-hater” and a “stupid.” (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Disney)
“I realize I’m not having a conversation with someone who actually wants to do this. This person is literally attacking my character, not a joke,” Jonasi said.
Jonasi revealed days later at one of his comedy shows at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles that he had been notified of the lawsuit.
“I now have a gluten allergy and anxiety. I received services. I am an American now,” Jonasi said. I made a joke in a video your performance.
COMEDIAN KOUNTRY WAYNE, WITH 10 CHILDREN AT HOME, SAYS REAL LIFE WRITES THE JOKES
Fox News Digital has reached out to representatives for Jonasi and Morake for comment.
In an interview with New York Post Jonasi, who opened a GoFundMe page for legal support on Friday, denied the allegations in the case, claiming that the joke increased interest in the movie and song.
Lebo M said the opening hymn of “Circle of Life” means “All hail the king, we all bow before the king.” (Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“I’ve actually gotten a lot of messages saying, ‘Hey, that joke actually made me want to go back and watch the movie again.’ People’s interest in the song has been revived. It actually made it more relevant,” Jonasi said.
