Compelling Constitutional Conversations
-by Jennifer Conway
Toni Basil. Her name may not ring a bell, however, many will undoubtedly recognize her 1982 bubble gum "cheerleader anthem" and one-hit wonder “Mickey.” The 72-year-old singer, choreographer, and actress is suing multiple companies over the unauthorized use of her song, including Disney, South Park, Forever 21 and Viacom. Basil is demanding a jury trial for damages in excess of $25,000 claiming she has suffered “sleep deprivation, nightmares and anxiety.”
The bulk of Basil’s suit is aimed NYC-based record company Razor & Tie Direct. The lawsuit alleges Razor & Tie has been illegally licensing the song “Mickey” without Basil’s consent for decades. The singer claims due to multiple unauthorized right’s transfers, Razor & Tie obtained the rights to her song.
Basil is also suing Disney alleging her “exclusive right to publicity has been damaged by the coupling with Mickey Mouse and the Disney brand.”
“Basil’s brand and identity is intertwined with her song Mickey,” her lawyer writes in court papers. “Basil is protective of her brand.”
Forever 21 for using “Mickey” to promote their Disney clothing line:
South Park for a short segment in a 2008 episode where the character Randy sings: “Obama, you're so fine! You’re so fine you blow my mind. Hey, Obama!”
Viacom for an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, featuring Yara Sofia and Carmen Carrera lip-syncing the Spanish Version of “Mickey.”
Mickey singer Toni Basil Sues Disney and South Park, BBC News, Sept 1, 2017
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