- Jonasi sued for $27M over viral Lion King parody joke.
- Lawsuit papers served onstage in Johannesburg March 25.
- GoFundMe launched March 27 raised $18K+ in hours.
- Fair use defense pending April court hearing.
Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi has launched a GoFundMe campaign to fight a $27 million defamation lawsuit filed by Grammy-winning South African composer Lebo M.
The lawsuit stems from a viral podcast joke in which Jonasi jokingly translated the iconic “Circle of Life” opening chant as “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my god.” Jonasi was served legal papers while performing on stage at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles.
Who Is Learnmore Jonasi?
Learnmore Jonasi, born Learnmore Mwanyenyeka, is a Zimbabwean stand-up comedian based in the United States.
He is known for comedy that explores African identity and critiques Western portrayals of the continent.
The Viral Lion King Joke That Started It All
During a February appearance on the One54 Africa podcast, Jonasi corrected hosts who mis-sang the “Circle of Life” chant.
When asked its meaning, he said: “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my god.” The clip went viral, amassing millions of views.
Details of the 27 Million Dollar Lion King Lawsuit
Lebo M filed suit in federal court in Los Angeles on March 16, 2026. The lawsuit seeks $20 million in actual damages and $7 million in punitive damages.
It alleges defamation, trade libel, and misleading representation under the Lanham Act.
Learnmore Jonasi Gets Served Lawsuit Papers On Stage
On March 12, while performing at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, an audience member tossed a brown envelope onto the stage.
Jonasi picked it up and announced: “Oh shit, I just got served.” Video of the moment has since gone viral.
Why Learnmore Jonasi Launched a GoFundMe Campaign
Learnmore Jonasi launched the GoFundMe campaign to raise $20,000 for legal defense. In his plea, he wrote: “What started as a bit of humor has escalated into a devastating legal battle. The total cost for my defense is beyond my means.”
How You Can Support Learnmore Jonasi’s Legal Fight
Supporters can donate to Jonasi’s GoFundMe campaign or purchase merchandise from his online store. T-shirts feature the phrase “Look, it’s a lawsuit. Oh my god,” alongside a cartoon of Jonasi holding legal papers.
What Happened Next in the Lion King Lawsuit Story
Lebo M has stated he is “under legal restrictions” on what he can say publicly. His spokesperson described the lawsuit as “not merely a legal matter it is a cultural correction.” Jonasi continues to perform and has expressed hope for a resolution.
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Last Updated on March 27, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
