Home / Arts and Entertainment / Comedian Wins Free Speech Battle Over Lion King Chant
Comedian Wins Free Speech Battle Over Lion King Chant
11 Jul
Summary
- Federal judge dismissed a $27 million defamation lawsuit.
- The lawsuit was filed by South African singer Lebo M.
- It concerned a comedian's translation of a Lion King chant.
A federal judge in Los Angeles has dismissed a $27 million defamation lawsuit brought by Lebohang Morake, professionally known as Lebo M, against comedian Learnmore Jonasi. Morake, whose Zulu chant opens "The Circle of Life" in Disney's The Lion King, had sued after Jonasi offered a different translation of the chant on a podcast.
Jonasi's legal team celebrated the ruling, calling it a vindication of his free speech rights. The comedian is now seeking attorneys' fees under California's anti-SLAPP statute. The lawsuit accused Jonasi of promoting a false translation of the chant, "Nants'ingonyama bagithi Baba," which Morake claimed tarnished his work and legacy.
U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton noted that the parties had voluntarily agreed to dismiss the case. The dismissal does not preclude Jonasi from seeking legal expenses from Morake. The comedian had previously turned the dispute into merchandise and launched a GoFundMe to support his legal defense.
