Photo by Paras Griffin for Getty Images / BET
A Victory Decades in the Making
In a major legal victory, Atlanta rap icon T.I. (Clifford Harris) and his wife, singer-songwriter Tiny (Tameka Harris), have been awarded $71 million in damages after a federal jury ruled in their favor. The ruling, issued this week, centered around claims that toy company MGA Entertainment copied the likeness of the couple’s R&B group, OMG Girlz, to create its immensely popular L.O.L. Surprise! dolls.
The case has been years in the making, with the OMG Girlz — a group formed by T.I. and Tiny over a decade ago — claiming that MGA Entertainment’s dolls too closely resembled their group members in both style and appearance. This verdict serves as a significant moment of validation for the couple, who have been vocal about protecting their creative legacy.
The OMG Girlz and Their Impact
The OMG Girlz, composed of Zonnique Pullins (T.I. and Tiny’s daughter), Bahja Rodriguez, and Breaunna Womack, was created in 2009. Known for their bold, colorful outfits and fierce performances, the group was active until 2015 before reuniting for recent performances. Although the group disbanded, their influence on R&B and pop culture remains undeniable, especially as they’ve returned to the stage for the “Queens of R&B” tour alongside Xscape and SWV.
T.I. and Tiny’s involvement in OMG Girlz went beyond just management—they played pivotal roles in shaping the group’s look, sound, and brand. According to the lawsuit, several of the L.O.L. Surprise! dolls share distinct similarities with the group’s members, down to specific hairstyles and iconic outfits from past performances.
A Battle of Rights and Likeness
This legal dispute dates back to a lawsuit filed four years ago, accusing MGA Entertainment of violating intellectual property laws by designing dolls that closely resembled the OMG Girlz. Over a three-week trial in Orange County, California, the jury was presented with evidence that several L.O.L. dolls looked strikingly similar to the group. Members of the OMG Girlz even took the stand to recount moments when fans thought the dolls were made in their likeness.
The defense argued that the resemblance was coincidental and that the OMG Girlz group did not have enough public recognition to merit such a claim. They further insisted that no financial losses had occurred due to the dolls’ likeness.
However, the jury ultimately sided with the Harris family. Tiny expressed her gratitude in an emotional Instagram post, thanking the jurors for recognizing their claims and protecting their artistic rights.
History Repeats Itself for MGA Entertainment
This isn’t the first time MGA Entertainment has found itself in the middle of a major lawsuit. The company was previously embroiled in a legal battle with toy giant Mattel over its Bratz dolls, another popular line with a similar edgy aesthetic.
The stakes in this case were just as high, with MGA Entertainment reportedly earning billions from its L.O.L. Surprise! doll line. Despite this latest setback, the company has the option to appeal the ruling.
A Win Amid Personal Controversy
While this legal victory is a moment of celebration for T.I. and Tiny, it comes at a time when the couple has been facing serious personal allegations. In January, they were sued by a woman who accused them of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 2005. Although that case was dismissed, the plaintiff has indicated plans to refile, and the couple continues to face other similar accusations.
Despite these challenges, the Harrises remain committed to defending their creative work and legacy. T.I., who has transitioned from street rap to pop stardom, entrepreneurship, and activism, has been an outspoken advocate for civil rights. Tiny, a Grammy Award-winning member of the R&B group Xscape, continues to influence the music industry and support her family’s endeavors.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this ruling, it raises broader questions about the rights of artists to protect their likeness and intellectual property in an age where brand identities are easily commodified. For T.I. and Tiny, this $71 million judgment isn’t just a financial win—it’s a statement about the value of creative control and ownership in the face of corporate overreach.
Whether or not MGA Entertainment chooses to appeal, this case will likely serve as a precedent for future legal battles over celebrity likeness in the toy industry. For now, the Harris family can celebrate a hard-fought victory and continue building their legacy in both music and business.
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