Current:Home > ContactT.I. and Tameka "Tiny" Harris Win $71 Million in Lawsuit Against Toy Company -WealthRoots Academy
T.I. and Tameka "Tiny" Harris Win $71 Million in Lawsuit Against Toy Company
View
Date:2025-04-16 12:11:52
T.I. and Tameka "Tiny" Harris are celebrating a victory.
The "Live Your Life" rapper and his wife of 14 years were awarded $71 million on Sept. 23 after winning their third court trial against toy giant MGA Entertainment, which was accused of violating the intellectual property rights of the couple's music group the OMG Girlz with their L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls.
"We were proud to represent the OMG Girlz, Tiny, and T.I.," their lawyer told E! News in a Sept. 24 statement, "who had the courage to stand up for themselves and fight a billion-dollar corporation's intimidation and insults with grace, perseverance, and a determination to protect their intellectual property and the rights of other creatives."
The statement added that thanks to T.I. and Tiny's determination, "a remarkable jury did the fair, just and right thing by holding MGA Entertainment fully accountable for trade dress infringement and for misappropriation of name, likeness, and identity."
E! News has reached out to MGA's lawyer for comment but hasn't heard back.
Jurors awarded T.I., 43, and Tiny, 49, (real names Clifford Joseph Harris and Tameka Dianne Cottle-Harris) $17.9 million in real damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages following the three-week trial in Santa Ana, Calif.
In their verdict, jurors said that 13 L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls had "infringed on the trade dress and misappropriated the name, image, and likeness" of T.I. and Tiny's OMG Girlz band, according to Rolling Stone. They also found that a 14th doll violated the group's trade dress, while a 15th misappropriated the band's name, image and likeness.
T.I. and Tiny had started OMG Girlz in 2009, with the girl group consisting of Zonnique "Star" Pullins (Tiny's daughter), Bahja "Beauty" Rodriguez and Breaunna "Babydoll" Womack.
During the trial, T.I. and Tiny—who are also parents to children Clifford, 18, Major, 16, and Heiress, 8—alleged that seven of MGA's dolls copied the OMG Girlz looks at "very specific public events or in publicized photos," per Rolling Stone. MGA's founder Isaac Larian had testified during the court proceedings that the group played no role in the look of the dolls, calling them "extortionists."
Following the verdict, Tiny and T.I. were elated over the jury's decision.
"I mean, wow. They did more than I thought they would," Tiny told Rolling Stone. "I would have been happy with whatever. They blessed us more than beyond. We wanted to thank the jurors so bad, but we didn't get the opportunity."
T.I. added, "I think justice was served. I think it's a testament to the relentlessness and 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 that large corporations seem to think is just public domain and free for all to come and grab and use."
Tiny also shared her excitement on Instagram, writing Sept. 23, "Man we may look crazy cause we been crying tears of joy!! We are so Grateful God. Thank you so much to the jurors first & foremost! We wanted to thank you in person but u guys were gone. To our amazing dream team u guys killed it!! We owe u everything!"
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (62)
Related
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Involuntary manslaughter case dropped against 911 dispatcher in Pennsylvania woman’s death
- Gunman who tried to attack U.S. Embassy in Lebanon shot and captured by Lebanese forces
- Photo shows army horses that bolted through London recovering ahead of expected return to duty
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Brazil unveils $4 million supercow, twice as meaty as others of her breed
- The Best Target Father’s Day Gifts of 2024 That’re Affordable & Will Earn You Favorite Child Status
- In the UK’s top baseball league, crowds are small, babysitters are key and the Mets are a dynasty
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- When Calls the Heart's Mamie Laverock “Fighting Hard” in Hospital After Balcony Fall
Ranking
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Tim Scott, a potential Trump VP pick, launches a $14 million outreach effort to minority voters
- Dispute over mailed ballots in a New Jersey county delays outcome of congressional primary
- Jeep Wagoneer excels as other large SUVs fall short in safety tests
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Jelly Roll says weight loss journey was inspired by wanting to have a baby with Bunnie XO
- Black Music Month has evolved since the 1970s. Here’s what you need to know
- Levi Wright’s Mom Shares Gut-Wrenching Final Moments With 3-Year-Old Before Toy Tractor Accident
Recommendation
Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
Opening arguments starting in class-action lawsuit against NFL by ‘Sunday Ticket’ subscribers
Giraffe hoists 2-year-old into the air at drive-thru safari park: My heart stopped
Matt Rife Shares He's Working on Getting Better After Medical Emergency
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Giraffe’s nibble turns into airborne safari adventure for Texas toddler
Joey Fatone Reveals Where *NSYNC Really Stands on a Reunion Tour
Little relief: Mortgage rates ease, pulling the average rate on a 30-year home loan to just below 7%