A Disney representative stated: “Upon realizing there could be an issue, we removed it from both our shelves and online store to further assess the situation.”
Recently, Peter Hook addressed the media, expressing that he considered it “quite a compliment” for Disney to incorporate Joy Division’s ‘Unknown Pleasures’ artwork in a Mickey Mouse clothing item. The former New Order bassist remarked that the piece was a “tongue in cheek compliment” to the now-defunct band.
The T-shirt showcases the iconic pulsar image, originally sourced from the Cambridge Encyclopedia Of Astronomy. The band’s guitarist, Bernard Sumner, selected it with assistance from graphic designer Peter Saville.
Hook clarified that he had not authorized Disney to utilize the image, indicating that it exists within a legal grey area. “Legally, the image is public domain, as Disney is aware, and in a humorous sense, it’s flattering for such a massive conglomerate to take notice of a small Manchester band that existed for just a couple of years; it’s quite surprising,” he stated. “I’m shocked they’re so desperate that they feel the need to exploit small indie bands, but my impression is that someone might have approached it as a cheeky compliment.”
He went on to share: “I must say I’ve grown accustomed to Mickey Mouse T-shirts over the years, particularly regarding Joy Division, as it was something we overlooked early in our career, never attaching much significance to that aspect. I’m familiar with bootleggers.”
Although the bassist mentioned that he dedicates a fair amount of his time to “policing” Joy Division bootlegs, he generally requests that aspiring bootleggers contribute to an Epilepsy charity in memory of Ian Curtis, urging Disney to do likewise.
Priced at $25, the T-shirt is no longer available for purchase from the Disney store.
by Milo Johnson
