In recent news, T.I. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris won their case against MGA Entertainment. The case alleged that the company infringed the intellectual property rights of their singing group, the OMG Girlz, with the company’s L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G dolls.
On Monday, September 23, the singer, 49, expressed her joy that the years-long court struggle had finished with a $71 million victory. Tiny said in an Instagram Live video outside a federal courthouse in Santa Ana, California, that they did it for the city and culture.
She described the lawsuit, which began in 2020 and culminated with Monday’s hearing, as a difficult battle but expressed satisfaction with the conclusion. The “Understanding” singer also thanked the jurors for their unanimous decision, praising them for believing in their narrative and respecting their honesty.
Why Did T.I. and Tiny Sue O.M.G. Dolls?
According to the lawsuit, T.I. and Tiny claimed that MGA’s line of “O.M.G.” dolls imitated the appearance of their defunct female group, OMG Girlz, which was established 15 years ago.
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The couple was granted $17.8 million in actual damages for the company’s earnings and $53.6 million in punitive damages. The OMG Girls are Bahja Rodriguez, Breaunna Womack, and Tiny’s eldest daughter, Zonnique Pullins.
Tiny has pointed out similarities between the L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls over the years, including a recent Instagram post with side-by-side photographs of the girls next to the dolls, both wearing similar costumes and hairdo.
Pullins, 28, Rodriguez, 28, and Womack, 29, testified in the three-week trial. T.I. and Tiny accused MGA of pushing seven dolls that seemed identical to the attire and style worn by OMG Girlz during “very specific public events.”
What Is the Difference Between LOL Dolls and OMG Dolls?
The primary differences between LOL Dolls and OMG Dolls are their size, design, and target age group. LOL Dolls, also known as “L.O.L. Surprise!” dolls are smaller and arrive in a ball with various surprises, including accessories, clothes, and the doll itself.
They are intended for younger children and are noted for their adorable, baby-like appearance. OMG Dolls, or “O.M.G. (Outrageous Millennial Girls)” dolls, are larger fashion dolls that act as older siblings to the LOL Surprise tots and lil sisters.
OMG Dolls are geared for slightly older youngsters and pre-teens, with more intricate fashion costumes and accessories.
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They have a more sophisticated, stylish appearance than the smaller LOL Dolls. Both lines are part of the same brand, although they appeal to distinct age groups and inclinations.
Who Owns OMG Girlz?
Tameka “Tiny” Harris and her husband, rapper Chris “T.I.” Harris, established the iconic American female group OMG Girlz. Originally, the group included their daughter Zonnique Pullins, Bahja Rodriguez, and Breaunna Womack.
They rose to prominence in the early 2010s thanks to their vibrant style and catchy tunes, which appealed to a young audience with singles such as “Gucci This (Gucci That)” and “Where the Boys At?”
The group was recognized for its vibrant and synchronized clothes, dynamic performances, and uplifting messages for young girls. Despite their popularity, the OMG Girlz separated in 2015 to pursue individual careers and other personal goals.
Why Did T.I. and Tiny Sue MGA?
T.I. and Tiny have attempted to sue over the dolls three times now. They allege MGA Entertainment copied the appearance of a group of “young multicultural women.”
They further accuse MGA of committing “cultural appropriation and outright theft” with their merchandise. The initial case resulted in a mistrial. MGA won the second case. However, the verdict was overturned on appeal.
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MGA, owned by Isaac Larian, said the company did not misappropriate the music group’s identity and that the dolls would not be confused with the “short-lived” band. They claimed the group experienced no actual injury or lost financial possibilities.
During the trial, the three original members of the OMG Girlz allegedly testified. Harris’ daughter Zonnique “Star” Pullins, together with Bahja “Beauty” Rodriguez and Breaunna “Babydoll” Womack, alleged that the dolls imitated their appearances from specific public occasions.
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