Judge Orders MGA to Pay $71.4M to T.I., Tiny, and OMG Girlz Over Doll Dispute
It’s a wrap, at least for now, after a California federal judge officially entered a $71.4 million judgment in favor of T.I., Tiny, and their former girl group, the OMG Girlz, in their high-profile legal battle against toymaker MGA Entertainment.
The final judgment, issued by Judge James Selna, reflects the full amount awarded by a jury last fall: $17.8 million in actual damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages. While Selna initially struck the punitive portion after post-trial motions, he ultimately reversed that decision, restoring the full total in his final ruling. The amount also accrues 3.972% interest.
The dispute centered on 15 LOL Surprise! OMG dolls that a jury found misappropriated the OMG Girlz’s likeness and infringed on their trade dress. MGA has since pulled those dolls from the market.
Still, the legal fight isn’t over. According to legal documents, MGA is appealing the judgment to the 9th Circuit, and, for now, the $71.4 million payout is on hold.
Originally filed by Clifford “T.I.” Harris and Tameka “Tiny” Harris, the lawsuit accused MGA of taking the group’s distinct aesthetic—bold hair, fashion, and style—and turning it into a doll empire without credit or compensation. The OMG Girlz, formed in 2009, were known for their vibrant looks and tween fan base, the jury found their influence undeniable.
Following the verdict, Tiny emphasized the broader impact of the case beyond the courtroom. “This verdict is a stepping stone for the culture, for the creators,” she said in a video shared on social media. “They’ll know that they have a voice. They’ll know that their creativity and their originality matters.”
With the $71.4 million judgment now finalized, the win stands not only as a personal victory for the Harris family but also as a message to other artists.
