Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi is facing a $27 million legal battle after being served with lawsuit papers during a live performance at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles.
The incident, which occurred on March 20, 2026, saw a process server approach Jonasi mid-set to deliver the documents. Initially, audience members believed the interaction was a planned part of the comedian’s routine.
The atmosphere in the venue reportedly shifted once Jonasi confirmed to the crowd that the legal notice was authentic. The lawsuit was filed on March 16 by Grammy-winning South African composer Lebohang Morake, known professionally as Lebo M.
The dispute centers on a joke Jonasi made during a podcast appearance regarding the opening Zulu chant of Disney’s “Circle of Life.” Jonasi suggested the iconic line “Nants’ingonyama bagithi Baba” translates to “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God.”
Official translations provided by Disney and Morake state the lyrics actually mean “All hail the king” or “We all bow in the presence of the king.” Morake’s legal team argues the joke constitutes a fabricated and trivializing distortion of a culturally significant work.
The complaint seeks $20 million in actual damages and $7 million in punitive damages. Attorneys for the composer claim Jonasi’s comments have damaged Morake’s professional reputation and impacted his royalty income from the 1994 film’s music.
Jonasi has publicly defended his material, calling the lawsuit absurd and noting that the bit has increased public interest in the song. He maintains that his interpretation was intended as satire rather than a factual translation.
To manage mounting legal expenses, Jonasi launched a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised more than $17,000. Supporters have rallied around the comedian, framing the case as a potential threat to free speech within the entertainment industry.
Legal experts suggest the outcome may depend on whether the court views the joke as protected parody. The case highlights ongoing tensions between comedic expression and the protection of intellectual property and cultural heritage.
As of Friday, March 27, 2026, the litigation remains in its early stages. Jonasi has expressed shock over the escalation, stating he did not expect a comedic routine to result in such a substantial financial claim.