Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Sue My Chemical Romance Over Uniforms
Pro Silver Star filed a legal petition in the District Court of Collin County, Texas, seeking a temporary restraining order against the rock band My Chemical Romance and event promoter Live Nation to prevent them from using costumes nearly identical to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform.
The Monday filing asks the court to stop the band from using the signature attire during live performances, claiming the outfits cause consumer confusion and trade off decades of brand goodwill. A temporary restraining order hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning in Texas.
Costume Elements and Stage Actions Spark Legal Action
The dispute centers on performances during My Chemical Romance’s five-show run at the Hollywood Bowl, which concludes at the end of October. During the song “Teenagers,” background dancers wore costumes copying the cheerleading squad’s signature white boots, white shorts, blue midriff-tied blouse, and white vest adorned with blue stars, according to the legal filing.
The petition states that during the first Hollywood Bowl performance on Wednesday, frontman Gerard Way told the crowd, “Thank you, Dallas,” after the costumed performers cheered across the stage. The dancers were then handed semi-automatic rifles to participate in a staged firefight before being depicted as shot and crawling off the stage.
Attorneys for Pro Silver Star sent a cease-and-desist letter on Thursday, followed by a copy of the petition for a restraining order and injunction on Friday. Despite the legal notice, performers wore the disputed costumes again during Friday night’s second Hollywood Bowl show, according to the court document, and online photos indicate the outfits appeared during Saturday night’s performance as well.
Silver Star Alleges Trademark Dilution and Infringement
The causes of action listed in the petition include false designation, false association, false endorsement, trade dress infringement, and federal trademark dilution by tarnishment. The filing states that audience members and online commentators understandably believed the performers were the real Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
“Silver Star is not litigious, and it takes no issue with MCR’s music, its artistic ambitions, or any message Defendants seek to convey,” the petition states, noting that the company does not object to the band’s setlist, narrative, politics, or choreography. “Silver Star asks only that those performers not wear the DCC Uniform while doing it. The universe of alternative costume designs is effectively unlimited.”
A representative for My Chemical Romance did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the litigation.