The T.I. lawsuit against MGA Entertainment has culminated in a $71 million victory for the rapper and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris. After a three-week trial in Orange County, California, a federal jury found MGA Entertainment’s “O.M.G.” dolls unlawfully appropriated the likenesses of the OMG Girlz, a teen group the couple founded in 2009. The case alleged the dolls closely resembled the group’s members, including Zonnique “Star” Pullins, Bahja “Beauty” Rodriguez, and Breaunna “Babydoll” Womack.
A Win for Intellectual Property Rights
The court’s decision highlighted the violation of intellectual property rights. The jury awarded the Harris family $17.8 million in actual damages—equivalent to the profit MGA made from the dolls—and an additional $53.6 million in punitive damages. These damages reflect the jury’s conclusion that MGA’s actions went beyond mere imitation. The verdict emphasizes the significance of protecting original creations in an industry that thrives on distinct branding and unique characteristics.
T.I. and Tiny’s legal team argued that MGA’s O.M.G. dolls were not only inspired by the OMG Girlz but also closely copied the group’s signature style. Throughout the trial, OMG Girlz members shared instances where fans mistook the dolls for official merchandise, solidifying claims that MGA Entertainment’s designs leveraged the group’s influence without permission.
MGA Entertainment’s Defense
In response to the accusations, MGA Entertainment maintained that any resemblance was purely coincidental. They argued that the dolls were unlikely to be confused with the OMG Girlz, given the band’s “short-lived” nature. MGA claimed the dolls were intended to represent a broad demographic of young girls, not specific individuals or groups. They further argued that the OMG Girlz had dissolved in 2015, suggesting that the group suffered no tangible harm from the alleged likeness.
Despite this, the jury sided with T.I. and Tiny, acknowledging the dolls’ clear resemblance to the band members. The verdict also underscored the ongoing relevance of the OMG Girlz, whose influence has endured beyond the group’s original tenure. MGA Entertainment may still appeal, though it remains unclear whether the company plans to pursue this route.
A Long Battle for Recognition
This recent victory is the culmination of a prolonged legal struggle. T.I. and Tiny had previously filed two lawsuits against MGA Entertainment, claiming cultural appropriation and the unauthorized use of the OMG Girlz’ likeness. The first case ended in a mistrial, while the second initially resulted in a victory for MGA. However, that decision was later overturned on appeal, reopening the door for T.I. and Tiny to continue their fight.
The couple’s attorney emphasized that MGA Entertainment has a history of leveraging cultural icons to boost sales, citing this case as an example of a major company allegedly taking advantage of a group of young, multicultural women. By winning this case, T.I. and Tiny have sent a message that they will vigorously protect their intellectual property and continue to challenge any infringement on their creative contributions.
Background on the L.O.L. Surprise! Doll Line
MGA Entertainment introduced the L.O.L. Surprise! line in December 2016, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. These dolls capitalized on the “unboxing” trend, a popular YouTube phenomenon where creators revealed products layer by layer, capturing each moment of surprise. Each L.O.L. Surprise! package contained a series of surprises, ranging from stickers to charms, with the final reveal being a collectible doll.
Since their launch, L.O.L. Surprise! dolls have dominated the toy market, achieving impressive sales numbers and inspiring multiple related product lines. MGA extended the brand’s appeal to older children by introducing new variations, such as the O.M.G. dolls. However, the expansion also led to controversies like the T.I. lawsuit, where questions about inspiration versus imitation arose.
Tangent: Tiny Harris’s Journey with the OMG Girlz
Tiny Harris, formerly a member of the R&B group Xscape, formed the OMG Girlz with a vision to inspire young girls through music. The group launched in 2009, later signing to Harris’s Pretty Hustle record label. With hits that resonated with a young audience, the group rose in popularity, appearing on various TV shows and sharing the stage with notable artists. Although the group disbanded in 2015, they reunited in 2023 to release new music, showcasing their enduring bond and influence.
In recent years, the OMG Girlz have continued to hold a unique place in pop culture. The lawsuit reinforces their lasting legacy, while the win further establishes their impact and contributions to the entertainment industry. For T.I. and Tiny, this case represents not only a financial victory but also a testament to the importance of safeguarding creative rights in a rapidly evolving media landscape.