Lebo M sues comedian over Lion King chant translation

Grammy-winning Lion King composer Lebo M (Lebohang Morake) is suing Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi for $27 million, alleging he misrepresented the opening chant’s meaning on a viral podcast by translating it as “Look, there’s a lion,” which Lebo M says harms his royalties and reputation; Jonasi contends the bit is comedy, not factual translation, and the case raises questions about parody protections while Lebo M seeks more than $20 million in actual damages plus $7 million in punitive damages, with a potential structured settlement being discussed after public exchanges.