Lebo M, the composer and performer of the iconic ‘Circle of Life’ chant from The Lion King, is suing comedian Learnmore Jonasi over a viral podcast clip. The clip features Jonasi claiming the chant translates to ‘Look, there’s a lion. Oh my god.’ Lebo M alleges this is a distorted translation, with the true meaning being ‘All hail the king, we all bow in the presence of the king.’ The lawsuit demands $27 million in damages for defamation, libel, and business interference.
The lawsuit marks an escalation in a social media back-and-forth between Lebo M and Jonasi. Lebo M claims Jonasi’s comment has affected his collaborative relationship with Disney and has led to xenophobic comments. Jonasi’s team has not commented on the lawsuit. The case may face challenges due to the First Amendment’s protection of comedy, but Lebo M’s lawyer argues that Jonasi presented the translation as factual, rather than a joke.
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