A Sydney comedy club owner has been sent a letter demanding $10,000 to cover legal costs Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn incurred to stop a musical about her from going ahead.
But Gunn’s legal team shut down the performance to protect the breakdancer’s “intellectual property” and ensure “her brand remains strong and respected”.
Anthony Skinner, owner of the venue iD Comedy Club, said business conditions were tough and the legal bill would “completely devastate” him.
“I’m hoping this will stop,” Skinner said.
“I run a stand up comedy business in a city and country that’s not designed for comedy in any way.
“It’s $50 in tolls to get in and out, it’s already tough enough to get people in.”
The venue owner said the cancellation of the musical had made comedians feel “more reluctant to take risks”.
Skinner said he offered the $500 made in revenue from the musical, but the law firm “completely rejected” the offer.
”People had assumed that we had developed it, that we had approved it and it damaged many relationships both personal and professional,” she said.
“This is why my management team and legal team had to work so quickly to shut the musical down.
“It was really unfortunate the show had to be cancelled so close to the launch.
“I know the artist would have put a lot of work into it and that really sucks.
“Had we known about it sooner, there could have been a different outcome.”
Gunn’s management team Born Bred Talent has been contacted for comment.
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