In a significant legal victory, rapper T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, were awarded $71 million in their lawsuit against toy manufacturer MGA Entertainment. The case centered around MGA’s popular line of L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls, which the couple alleged copied the likeness of their defunct girl group, OMG Girlz.
After a three-week trial in Orange County, the jury ruled in favor of the Harrises, awarding them $17.8 million in real damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages. This decision marks the end of a lengthy legal battle, which had seen two previous mistrials.
OMG Girlz Versus MGA Entertainment
The OMG Girlz, formed in 2009 by Tiny and T.I., initially featured Zonnique Pullins (Tiny’s daughter), Reginae Carter (Lil Wayne’s daughter), Bahja Rodriguez, and Breaunna Womack. The group quickly became known for their unique style and fashion, elements that the Harrises claimed MGA copied in seven of their dolls.
T.I. expressed his satisfaction with the verdict, stating, “I think justice was served. I think it’s a testament to the resilience of my wife, daughter, and nieces. We’re just happy we were able to come out on top and fight for creatives and our intellectual property.”
MGA Entertainment, however, has the option to appeal the decision, which leaves open the possibility of further legal challenges.
Standing Up for Creatives
Breaunna Womack, one of the OMG Girlz, celebrated the win on Instagram, posting a photo with the group and the Harris family. She thanked God, the legal team, and their supporters, writing, “This is a win for us and all artists/creatives out there. Don’t ever be afraid to use your voice and stand up for what you believe in.”
The outcome of this case represents a broader victory for creatives defending their intellectual property rights, with the Harrises standing firm against what they saw as corporate exploitation. As Tiny’s daughter, Zonnique Pullins, put it, “When everybody was ready to quit, you said HELL NAH!” The fight, it seems, was well worth it.