Online Reporter
LEBO M says he has made THREE attempts to have his fallout with Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi resolved but they have all failed to yield anything.
The South African star is now determined to pursue legal action against the Zimbabwean for his misinterpretation of the famous chant from the song Circle of Life in Disney’s The Lion King movie.
During his interview on ONE45 podcast, Learnmore claimed “Nants’ Ingonyama” means “look, there’s a lion”, which led to Lebo instituting a US$27m lawsuit.
In a statement shared on Tuesday through his team, Lebo M said he’d made three formal “reasonable” attempts to resolve the dispute with Learnmore privately in pursuit of an amicable resolution, but they were ignored.
“Lebo M has consistently chosen dignity over noise,” said his spokesperson, Tshepo Mboni.
“However, the continued refusal to engage in constructive discussions, coupled with ongoing public misrepresentation, leaves us with no alternative but to proceed through formal legal channels.”
Lebo M’s team said they felt Learnmore had been using the debacle to draw attention to his social media feed and tour dates.
“This is no longer discourse, it is a strategic attempt to pressure and mislead. We will not allow legacy, culture and intellectual property to be negotiated in the court of public opinion.
“The legal claim, previously cited at US$27m, remains grounded in a clear legal methodology and is supported by international counsel. We approached this matter with openness.
“That door has been closed repeatedly. We now move forward with clarity, focus and the full weight of the law behind us.”
Lebo M has also claimed that he tried to find some common ground with the comedian privately.
“I tried to engage this young man from Zimbabwe. He’s intentionally misusing the global platform by going viral. Intentionally disrespecting and dismissing my explanation to him of the context of Nants’ Ingonyama, which is a cultural heritage and royal statement we made for years in honouring and welcoming a king,” Lebo M said.
Learnmore took to his timeline, thanking people who helped him raise US$24,343 on his GoFundMe page.
“Managed to get representation and ready to fight this case, I really appreciate all of you!” he said.
Last week, Learnmore claimed on social media he was served with the lawsuit during one of his shows.
“I’m officially getting sued for telling a joke,” he said. “I’m getting sued for US$27m. To make matters worse. I got served the lawsuit while I was performing on stage . . . right now I’m looking for a lawyer.” “I can’t believe I’m being sued for telling a joke. What kind of stupid world are we living in? This world is stupid.” — H-Metro Reporter/TimesLive
