The OMG Girlz, a popular teenage girl group founded by rapper T.I. and his wife Tiny Harris, secured a major legal victory in a highly publicized lawsuit against MGA Entertainment, the maker of the well-known L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Dolls. The lawsuit centered around allegations that MGA infringed upon the OMG Girlz’ intellectual property rights by using their likeness and trade dress without permission, resulting in a $71.5 million jury award.
OMG Girlz Lawsuit
Background and Origins
The OMG Girlz group was created by T.I. and Tiny Harris in 2009 and included Tiny’s daughter Zonnique “Star” Pullins alongside Bahja “Beauty” Rodriguez and Breaunna “Babydoll” Womack. The group garnered a dedicated following and considerable success before disbanding in 2015, and later briefly reuniting in 2023.
In 2016, MGA Entertainment launched a line of collectible dolls under the L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. brand. T.I., Tiny, and the OMG Girlz claimed that MGA’s dolls were modeled after the group’s image, style, and name, alleging cultural appropriation and outright theft of their creative identity.
Legal Claims and Allegations
The core allegations filed by T.I., Tiny, and the OMG Girlz included:
- Copyright Infringement: MGA’s dolls allegedly copied the likeness, fashion, and hairstyles of the OMG Girlz members.
- Trade Dress Violation: The look and feel of the dolls significantly mirrored that of the girl group’s identity and branding.
- Cultural Appropriation: Arguments that MGA exploited Black culture and aesthetics embodied by the OMG Girlz without permission.
- Misappropriation of Name and Likeness: Using the name “O.M.G.” and dolls that resembled specific members without rights or authorization.
Trial and Verdict
The case saw its first trial in early 2023 but ended in a mistrial after controversial testimony related to cultural appropriation was excluded by the judge. The retrial occurred in September 2024 and resulted in a jury siding with T.I., Tiny, and the OMG Girlz.
The jury awarded:
- $17.9 million in actual damages, representing profits MGA earned from the infringing dolls;
- $53.6 million in punitive damages, intended to punish MGA for willful infringement;
- A total payout of $71.5 million.
Judge’s Review and Contested Damages
Despite the jury’s decision, in early 2025, U.S. District Court Judge James V. Selna questioned the punitive damages’ size, ruling that evidence did not sufficiently show MGA’s bad faith. The judge slashed the punitive damages from $53.6 million to just $1 but allowed the actual damages to stand.
T.I., Tiny, and their legal team rejected the reduced award and indicated plans to seek further legal recourse, including potentially a new trial focused on punitive damages. They argued the evidence presented proved MGA knowingly and maliciously copied the OMG Girlz.
Significance and Impact
This lawsuit is notable as a high-profile case where artists defended their intellectual property rights against a billion-dollar toy company. It highlights issues around protection of celebrity image rights, trade dress, and cultural considerations within intellectual property law.
The case has also sparked discussions about the broader impact of cultural appropriation in commerce and the power dynamics between individual creators and large corporations.
Statements from the Parties
Following the verdict, Zonnique “Star” Pullins and other group members expressed pride and relief. Pullins emphasized that the case was about “creatives everywhere” and standing up against exploitation.
Tameka “Tiny” Harris praised the jury’s verdict, highlighting the resilience and courage needed to confront “intimidation of a billion-dollar corporation.” Rapper T.I. also lauded the decision as a victory for creators’ rights.
MGA Entertainment consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “baseless and offensive.” Their legal team argued the dolls were original and that no consumer confusion existed.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of mid-2025, the legal battle over punitive damages remains unresolved, with potential for further trial proceedings. Both sides continue to negotiate and prepare for possible appeals or new trials.
Despite ongoing legal wrangling, the OMG Girlz and their legal representatives view the jury’s decision as a landmark win for protecting artists’ intellectual property.
Conclusion
The OMG Girlz lawsuit against MGA Entertainment represents a critical defense of creative and cultural rights in entertainment and merchandising. This case addresses important questions about who owns creative identity and how to protect it in a business landscape dominated by large corporations.
Whether through ongoing litigation or final settlements, the case’s outcome will have lasting repercussions on celebrity rights, cultural appropriation, and brand protection for artists in the music and entertainment industries.
