A musical inspired by viral Olympic breakdancer Raygun was abruptly canceled just hours before its scheduled opening on Saturday, following legal threats from the athlete’s representatives, according to the show’s creator.
Legal Concerns
Steph Broadbridge, an Australian comedian and writer of “Raygun: The Musical,” shared on Instagram that the breakdancer’s lawyers contacted the venue, warning of potential legal action. The parody musical aimed to recount the story of Australian dancer Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, whose Olympic performance in Paris led to widespread memes and criticism of both her and the sport.
Performance Background
During her Olympic appearances in August, Gunn faced breakers from the U.S., France, and Lithuania, finishing without scoring a single point, losing all three rounds 18-0. Broadbridge expressed that the legal team was concerned about damage to Gunn’s brand, asserting, “I would never do that.” She emphasized that Gunn would not be part of the show, although she would be welcome to attend.
Ticket Refunds and Charitable Intent
Broadbridge announced that ticket holders would receive refunds of 10 Australian dollars (approximately $6.45). The proceeds were originally intended for the Women’s and Girls Emergency Centre, a charity aiding women and children affected by homelessness and domestic violence.
Broadbridge revealed that Gunn’s legal team trademarked the musical’s poster, which featured a silhouette of Gunn’s signature kangaroo hop. She expressed confusion over the claim, stating, “How would I possibly be able to do that without any formal breakdancing training?”
Musical Content
The musical was promoted with songs like “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 Pulled a Muscle.” The Eventbrite listing has since been changed to “Breaking: The Musical.”
Management Statement
CNN reached out to Gunn’s management at Born Bred for comments. In a statement to 7news, they affirmed their commitment to protecting Gunn’s intellectual property and ensuring the integrity of her brand. They acknowledged the effort put into developing the show while emphasizing the importance of representing Gunn’s work accurately.
Apology and Intent
Following the incident, Broadbridge apologized to Gunn for any negativity she may have faced due to the musical. She explained to The Project that her goal was to help Gunn feel like the icon she believes she can be in Australia.
