'Mickey' singer Toni Basil sues South Park


Still from South Park. Toni Basil is suing the cartoon creators for using her song 'Hey Mickey' to parody Obama's win in 2008
The singer of worldwide hit 'Mickey' is suing South Park for using her song to parody Barack Obama's US presidential win in 2008.


Toni Basil said the tune was used without her permission and is demanding $750 (£580) from a host of media companies.

She said her voice, name and image had been used without permission in a string of claims dating back 30 years.

Basil added she has suffered "sleep deprivation, nightmares and anxiety" over the issue, court papers filed in LA and obtained by Deadline show.
Lawyers for Basil, 73, said she was previously unaware 'Mickey' appeared in a 2008 South Park episode, which spoofs that year's US election result.

In it, one of the characters, Randy, celebrates the Democrat's win, singing: "Obama you so fine, you so fine you blow my mind, hey Obama, hey Obama."
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 22: Choreographer Toni Basil attends the 8th Annual BritWeek Launch Party at a private residence on April 22, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Basil is also suing Disney, accusing the entertainment company of using her song to promote a line of clothing.

"Basil's exclusive right to publicity has been damaged by the coupling with Mickey Mouse and the Disney brand," the lawsuit said.

None of the parties Basil is suing have commented.