A musical inspired by Australian b-girl Rachael Gunn — well-known as Raygun — has been shut down by the Olympian's legal team ahead of its premiere in Sydney tonight.
The show, created by comedian Steph Broadbridge, was intended as a musical parody of Raygun's journey to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. It was to include songs titled I'm Breaking Down and I Would Have Won But I Pulled a Muscle.
Broadbridge told 9News the show was a homage to the athlete and that she thought it would be "good for her brand".
However, just hours before its premiere, she was forced to cancel the show after being contacted by Gunn's lawyers who threatened to sue her.
"I didn't expect to be on anyone's radar at this stage in the process of being this very small musical project."
Broadbridge announced the cancellation on social media this morning, and said refunds would be issued to ticket holders.
"They were very concerned that people would think that Rachael Gunn was affiliated with the musical," she said.
"I want to assure everyone that she will not be part of the show. She's very welcome to come, I would love for her to see it."
In a statement provided to 9News, Gunn's management said they were "committed to protecting her intellectual property and ensuring that her brand remains strong and respected".
"While we have immense respect for the credible work and effort that has gone into the development of the show, we must take necessary steps to safeguard Rachael's creative rights and the integrity of her work.
"This action is not intended to diminish the contributions of others, but rather to ensure her brand is properly represented and protected in all future endeavours."
In a post to social media, Broadbridge said Gunn's lawyers were "worried that I was damaging her brand, which I would never do.
"She doesn’t need me to do that."
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