The legal battle between T.I. and Tiny Harris and MGA Entertainment has taken another turn. Originally awarded $71.4 million in damages, the couple’s settlement was drastically reduced to $17.8 million. U.S. District Judge James Selna found insufficient evidence to justify punitive damages, cutting $53.6 million from the original payout.
Key Ruling Details
The lawsuit centered around MGA’s L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls, which the Harrises claimed mimicked the OMG Girlz’s unique style and image. The girl group, featuring Tiny’s daughter Zonnique Pullins, accused MGA of replicating their looks from specific public appearances.
While the jury initially sided with the Harrises, awarding them both real and punitive damages, the judge ruled that MGA’s actions did not meet the threshold of “willful infringement” under the Lanham Act. “The evidence shows that MGA was, at most, negligent in investigating claims of infringement,” wrote Judge Selna.
Punitive damages require proof of intentional misconduct or reckless disregard. Without this, the court decided the punitive damages could not be upheld.
T.I. and Tiny Speak Out
Despite the setback, T.I. and Tiny remain optimistic. “We’re just happy we were able to fight for creatives and our intellectual property,” T.I. shared after the initial ruling. Tiny expressed gratitude to the jurors, saying, “They heard our story and knew we weren’t lying. It’s amazing to have been believed.”
Their attorney, John Keville, thanked the jury for standing up against what he described as MGA’s “bullying and misrepresentations.”
The OMG Girlz, who reunited in 2023, have continued to gain recognition. In 2024, they joined the Queens of R&B tour with SWV and Xscape, further solidifying their legacy.
Though the reduced settlement is disappointing, Tiny remains hopeful. “The ink hasn’t dried yet,” she noted, alluding to the possibility of further legal developments.
As the case continues to unfold, the Harrises remain steadfast in their fight for justice. “This is a testament to resilience,” T.I. said, reflecting on the legal process and its implications for protecting creative rights.