South African composer sues comedian over 'Lion King' routine

The Grammy-award winning South African composer of the iconic chant that opens “The Lion King” is suing a comedian, saying he's denigrated the “Circle of Life” song with an intentional mistranslation. Lebohang Morake says Learnmore Jonasi devalued the composer's contribution to the song, which he performed for the 1994 Disney hit movie. Morake wants $27 million in damages. He says Jonasi described the meaning of the chant's Zulu lyrics as facts, not jokes, and so his statements aren't entitled to First Amendment protections. Jonasi said Morake’s reaction ignores his more nuanced critique of how Americans understand African identity.