We’re starting to think that maybe Raygun isn’t in on the joke as much as we thought she was.
At least not this joke.
Australian break dancer Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn has put the kibosh on a parody musical based on her journey to the Paris Olympics, where she became a viral sensation earlier this year.
Raygun: The Musical was created by and set to feature Australian comedian Steph Broadbridge before a legal threat from Gunn stopped it from taking the stage.
The show was set to debut on Saturday at Kinselas in Sydney, but Broadbridge was forced to cancel after lawyers for Gunn sent a cease-and-desist letter, saying that the Olympian owned – of all things — the dance moves.
During Raygun’s performance at the Summer Games, she went viral after performing dance moves akin to hopping around like a kangaroo, rolling around on the floor while touching her toes as well as the infamous ‘sprinkler.’
Gunn’s lawyers reportedly advised Broadbridge that she was “not allowed” to do the kangaroo dance because Gunn “owns” it.
“That one did puzzle me. I mean, that’s an Olympic-level dance,” Broadbridge said in an Instagram post. “How would I possibly be able to do that without any formal breakdancing training?”
Broadbridge said that all ticket holders would receive a $10 refund while also assuring theatregoers that the show would go on at a later date.
“Anyway, to alleviate the concerns of Raygun’s lawyers, I will be changing the name of the character to Raygun with an I. So I hope that fixes everyone’s concerns,” she said.
In a statement to the Guardian, Gunn’s legal and management team said it was committed to protecting Gunn’s creative rights and the integrity of her work while ensuring that her brand remained 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,” the statement said.
“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 reply to the claim, Broadbridge said in her video that Gunn’s legal team “were worried I was damaging her brand, which I would never.”
“They were very concerned that people would think that Rachael Gunn was affiliated with the musical,” she added.
“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.”
Users on social media were quick to bash Gunn for lack of self-awareness.
“I liked her better when I thought she was in on the joke,” one user on reddit commented.
“She’s just the joke now,” another user replied.
“She really thought she was legit. She was never in on the joke,” a third user posted.
Raygun: The Musical was advertised as a “parody exploration” of the breakdancer’s journey to the Olympics. It was to include songs titled ‘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.’
While competing in Paris, Gunn finished second-last in the women’s breakdancing competition, failing to score a single point in her three matchups. The only competitor to rank below her was disqualified.