Toni Basil, the singer of the 1980s hit Mickey, is suing the Walt Disney Company, the producers of animated comedy South Park, fashion chain Forever 21 and others, alleging that they have used the song without her permission.
The singer and actress has filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court and claims she recently became aware that her 1981 smash was used in an episode of South Park, VH1's RuPaul's Drag Race and a Forever 21 ad campaign for a Disney-themed range.
"Basil was never consulted and would never consent to the use of her voice, persona, image, or name coupled with Disney products," states the lawsuit.
Basil is seeking at least $750 for every time her voice, name or image were used without her permission over the years and she is also suing the current rights holders of the song.
The 73-year-old claims she has suffered "sleep deprivation, nightmares and anxiety" over the use of the track and wants a trial by jury.
Mickey was a Number One hit in the US, reaching Number Three in Ireland and the second spot in the UK. The song, from Basil's debut album Word of Mouth, was originally written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn as Kitty and appeared on British group Racey's 1979 album Smash and Grab.
