Overview
- The Grammy-winning composer filed the case on March 17 in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, with reports citing damages of either $20 million or $27 million.
- Court papers allege defamation per se, trade libel, Lanham Act violations, and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage.
- The complaint says Learnmore Jonasi stated on the One54 Africa podcast that the Zulu phrase translates to “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God,” and presented it as fact.
- Lebo M’s filing asserts the chant’s meaning as “All hail the king, we all bow in the presence of the king,” emphasizing its cultural significance.
- Jonasi defends the remarks as comedy and has declined to apologize, while Lebo M cites reputational and business harm and says he now fears for his safety due to xenophobic comments.