A petition has been launched to urge Disney to drop its trademark of the Swahili phrase 'hakuna matata' ahead of the live-action Lion King remake being released.
Disney is facing backlash over its decision to trademark the Swahili-language phrase, which translates to 'no problem' or 'no worries'.
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The phrase is often used in eastern Africa, and is used multiple times in the original Disney classic by the characters as well as in songs.
Disney first applied for an intellectual property right on the saying back in 1994, at the time of the original film release.
But the debate has resurfaced once again as a new petition has been posted, urging Disney to stop the trademark in its tracks.
Zimbabwean activist Shelton Mpala created the petition, which tells people to 'say no to any corporations/individuals looking to trademark languages, terms or phrases they didn't invent'.
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The petition reads: "While we respect Disney as an entertainment institution responsible for creating many of our childhood memories, the decision to trademark 'Hakuna Matata' is predicated purely on greed and is an insult not only the spirit of the Swahili people but also, Africa as a whole.
"The movie is set in Africa and the characters have African names which further makes the decision to implement the trademark a perplexing one.
"The term 'Hakuna Matata' is not a Disney creation hence not an infringement on intellectual or creative property, but an assault on the Swahili people and Africa as a whole.
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"It sets a terrible precedence and sullies the very spirit of the term to begin with. At a time when divisiveness has taken over the world, one would think re-releasing a movie that celebrates the unlikely friendships, acceptance, and unity, Disney would make a decision that goes completely against these values."
At the time of writing, over 165,000 people had signed the petition out of a total 200,000.
Featured Image Credit: DisneyTopics: Disney, lion king, TV News