A United States federal judge has ordered renowned ‘Lion King’ composer Lebo M to pay Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi US$39,560 (approximately R640,000) in legal fees. This ruling comes after Jonasi successfully challenged a lawsuit filed against him by Lebo M over a joke related to ‘The Lion King’s’ iconic opening chant. The judgment marks a significant victory for the Zimbabwean comedian, who had faced legal action for his satirical performance.
Key Players Involved
- Learnmore Jonasi: Zimbabwean comedian who successfully defended against Lebo M’s lawsuit.
- Lebo M: South African composer known for his work on ‘The Lion King’, who filed the initial lawsuit.
- US Federal Judge: Issued the order for Lebo M to cover Jonasi’s legal expenses.
Event Timeline
- September 1, 2026: News reports confirm the US court order for Lebo M to pay Jonasi’s legal fees.
- Prior to September 2026: Lebo M initiated a lawsuit against Learnmore Jonasi over a joke related to ‘The Lion King’.
