Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Take Legal Action Against Band My Chemical Romance

The parent company controlling the brand of the renowned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has initiated legal proceedings against the rock band My Chemical Romance concerning the unauthorized use of the squad’s signature uniforms.

On October 23, Pro Silver Star, which holds the rights to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ trademarked image, filed a motion in the District Court of Dallas County seeking a temporary restraining order aimed at preventing the band from utilizing costumes resembling the iconic cheerleader outfits during performances.

This legal action follows My Chemical Romance’s recent shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, where dancers appeared onstage wearing outfits closely modeled after the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ distinctive uniforms. These outfits included notable details such as white boots, a white vest adorned with blue stars, and blue-and-white pom-poms, mirroring the hallmark elements of the cheerleading squad’s attire.

According to the court documents reviewed by today.com, Pro Silver Star contends that the band’s use of the cheerleader-inspired costumes was not authorized and misappropriates the brand’s identity. The filing emphasizes that while the company does not object to the band’s artistic choices, choreography, or thematic elements—such as performers wielding firearms on stage—it insists that the dancers refrain from wearing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ uniforms.

The contested performance took place on October 21, during the opening night of My Chemical Romance’s concert series celebrating the 20th anniversary of their 2006 album "The Black Parade." During the song "Teenagers," a group of female dancers donned the cheerleader-like outfits and executed a choreographed routine. This sequence culminated in a staged gunfight, with the performers simulating being shot and retreating from the stage.

Pro Silver Star’s legal argument highlights concerns about the brand’s portrayal, noting that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ image is built on values such as dedication and community, with a long legacy of entertaining U.S. military personnel. The company argues that associating the cheerleading uniform with a violent stage act could damage the brand's reputation and mislead audiences.

My Chemical Romance, a band synonymous with alternative rock and emo music since the early 2000s, has not yet issued a public statement addressing the lawsuit. The group rose to prominence with hits like "Helena" and solidified their status with the influential "The Black Parade" album, which remains a landmark release in their career.

The ongoing tour includes additional performances at the Hollywood Bowl, with a scheduled concert on October 24. It remains unclear how the legal dispute will affect upcoming shows or whether the band will alter their stage production to comply with the court’s decision.

Pro Silver Star is also pursuing a preliminary injunction to extend the legal restrictions on the use of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ likeness in future performances. Details regarding the court's response to the motion have not yet been made public, and further developments in this case are expected.

This legal confrontation underscores the complexities surrounding intellectual property rights in live entertainment, especially when artistic expression intersects with established brands. It also raises questions about how far performers can go in incorporating recognizable imagery from other cultural icons without explicit permission.

At present, the dispute between Pro Silver Star and My Chemical Romance remains active, with the company defending the integrity of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ iconic brand and the band continuing to mark a milestone in their musical journey.