My Chemical Romance face legal action from Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders over Hollywood Bowl costumes

My Chemical Romance has become embroiled in a legal dispute with Pro Silver Star Ltd., the entity that owns the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) brand, following the band's recent use of costumes resembling the iconic cheerleading uniforms during their performances at the Hollywood Bowl. This legal confrontation emerged shortly after the band's five-show residency at the Los Angeles venue commenced in late October 2026.

During the opening night of their residency on October 21, My Chemical Romance incorporated dancers outfitted in attire closely mimicking the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' distinctive uniforms. These performers took part in a theatrical segment of the show that featured a staged gunfight, wielding prop firearms and engaging in a simulated shootout with soldiers before exiting the stage. The depiction of violence involving performers in the cheerleader-style costumes has prompted concerns from the DCC brand owners about potential harm to their image.

On October 23, Pro Silver Star Ltd. filed a motion in Dallas County, Texas, seeking a temporary restraining order along with a preliminary injunction to halt the band's further use of the cheerleader-inspired costumes. The company contends that the uniforms are trademarked and that the presentation of these costumes in conjunction with violent imagery risks damaging the reputation and goodwill associated with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Court documents obtained by industry news outlet TheWrap indicate that Pro Silver Star asserts widespread public confusion resulted from the performance, with audiences and social media users mistaking the dancers for the official Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Efforts by Pro Silver Star to resolve the matter directly with My Chemical Romance reportedly did not result in compliance, as the band continued to feature the contested costumes in subsequent shows.

Despite the legal action, footage from the band's second night at the Hollywood Bowl on October 23 suggests that the cheerleader-style uniforms remained part of the stage production. The unresolved dispute highlights the tension between artistic expression and trademark protections in live performance contexts.

This residency marks a significant milestone for My Chemical Romance, as they become the first band to perform five consecutive nights at the Hollywood Bowl. The shows form the climax of their anniversary tour celebrating the 20th year of their seminal 2006 album, 'The Black Parade,' which they perform in full during these concerts.

Coinciding with the tour, the band released an expanded edition of 'The Black Parade,' featuring six additional tracks, including previously unreleased live recordings from a 2007 concert. The album, originally lauded for its ambitious sound and cultural impact, continues to resonate with fans and critics alike.

Frontman Gerard Way has recently alluded to the possibility of new material from the group, expressing a desire to create another studio album pending favorable circumstances. This ongoing creative momentum occurs against the backdrop of the current legal challenges surrounding their live shows.

As the legal proceedings unfold, details on the potential outcomes remain limited. Pro Silver Star's pursuit of monetary damages and an injunction underscores the seriousness of the trademark infringement claims. Meanwhile, My Chemical Romance's management and legal representatives have not publicly disclosed their position or response to the lawsuit.

This case exemplifies the complexities artists face when integrating recognizable brand elements into their performances, especially when such portrayals intersect with content that could be perceived as damaging to the brand's image. Observers within the music and entertainment industries will be watching closely as this dispute develops.