Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Dismiss Lawsuit Over My Chemical Romance Concert Costumes as Legal Battle Continues
The cheer squad’s trademark suit was dropped, but promoter Live Nation maintains the parody performance was lawful.
Case Dismissed by Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders filed a lawsuit claiming My Chemical Romance used knockoff versions of the squad’s trademarked blue‑and‑white uniforms during a mock gun battle at the Hollywood Bowl. The suit sought an emergency restraining order ahead of two shows slated for Oct. 30‑31.
The federal court in Texas dismissed the complaint today, ending the legal claim that the costumes infringed the cheer squad’s protectable trade dress.
Live Nation’s Counter‑Filing
In a filing submitted today, concert promoter Live Nation responded to the dismissals. The company said the cheerleaders and their parent company Pro Silver Star had been informed more than a week before the lawsuit that the costumes were already retired and would not be used again.
Live Nation also rejected the claim that it or the band had given a “concession” to stop wearing the uniforms. The filing states that the performances on Oct. 21, 23, and 24 were a parody protected by the First Amendment and that the shows ended on Oct. 24, 2026, because that was the scheduled conclusion, not because of any agreement.
Details of the Contested Performance
The disputed segment was a satirical rock opera performed during the band’s final Hollywood Bowl concerts, which marked the 20th anniversary of the 2006 album The Black Parade. The anniversary reissue topped the Billboard200.
Live Nation’s filing described the costumes as “artistic expression” and called the performance a “successful parody” where audience members understood the dancers were not the actual Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The filing argued that “recognition is not confusion.”
Legal Positions
The cheerleaders’ lawsuit alleged the costumes “degraded” the DCC brand and violated trademark rights.
Live Nation maintains that no plaintiff‑defendant agreement was reached and that neither Live Nation nor My Chemical Romance altered the shows in response to the suit.
Live Nation also noted that My Chemical Romance was never formally served with the lawsuit, so the band had no obligation to appear in court.
Future Tour Dates for My Chemical Romance
Following the Hollywood Bowl engagement, My Chemical Romance is scheduled to begin the Asian leg of its tour on Nov. 7 in South Korea, with subsequent shows in Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Lawyers for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders did not respond to requests for comment, including today.
