The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are taking legal action after claiming their brand was infringed by the band My Chemical Romance.
The issue at the center of the suit is a stage show performed by My Chemical Romance as part of their “Long Live: The Black Parade” tour. On October 23, the band played a concert at the Hollywood Bowl that used cheerleaders as part of the act – styled and designed to look exactly like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
The lawsuit alleges that the cheerleaders’ costumes and designs were so similar to those of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders that an average person could easily mistake the members for those on stage with the band. It was taken a step further when cheerleaders armed with fake guns took part in a simulated shootout on stage and several cheerleaders were “shot”.
It’s not a fight over money, it’s just about protecting their brands. The cheerleaders are seeking a temporary restraining order and injunction, particularly as it pertains to the costumes worn by the cheerleaders. In a statement released by Pro Silver Star, who acts as the manager of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, he said he has no problem with My Chemical Romance and that they support freedom of expression.
“The Silver Star only requests that these performers do not wear the DCC Uniform while doing so,” the petition said. “The universe of alternative costume designs is effectively limitless.”
The Cowboys Cheerleaders have a point. From the video above, it’s reasonable to assume that they are actual Cowboys cheerleaders likely work under contract with the group. It’s also a case where the band doesn’t just show up, but participates in theatrical elements that go beyond what the entertainers would do.
The lawsuit comes shortly after the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders made waves in the NFL by becoming the first cheerleading squad to be recognized by the Cowboys. Organized as the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association (DCCA), the union will push for equal pay, rights and to protect the brand from abuse, as they believe is happening here. The unionization movement was spurred in part by the huge success of the cheerleaders’ Netflix series. America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, This led to some members of the group receiving massive pay raises while others did not.
As with the lawsuit, cheerleaders make fair demands. They’re not asking My Chemical Romance to change the artistry of their show or make any major changes – just use any other cheerleader design on earth. This ensures that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are not misidentified.