Atlanta rapper T.I. (Clifford Harris) and wife Tameka "Tiny" Harris may soon head back to court after a federal judge drastically cut their jury win in a long-running legal battle with MGA Entertainment. The couple, along with members of their former pop group OMG Girlz, had been awarded $71.5 million in damages last fall after claiming MGA's LOL Surprise! OMG dolls copied the group’s likeness. However, on July 8, Judge James V. Selna reduced the punitive damages from $53.6 million to just $1, bringing the total award to $17.8 million.

Judge Selna ruled that the jury's decision to grant high punitive damages was flawed, citing a lack of proof that MGA’s actions were “willful.” The judge noted that the artists' legal team did not provide sufficient evidence that MGA knowingly infringed on the OMG Girlz's image. Now, the Harrises must decide whether to accept the reduced amount or pursue a fourth jury trial. They have two weeks to file a response, though earlier court statements suggest they may choose to return to court rather than accept the lowered payout.



The case stems from a 2020 lawsuit in which T.I. and Tiny claimed MGA copied the OMG Girlz’ distinct style and fashion for their doll line. MGA had initially sued the artists, alleging that their infringement claims were harming business, prompting a countersuit. After two earlier trials — one ending in mistrial and the second in MGA’s favor — a third trial last year resulted in the $71.5 million verdict. Despite the reduced damages, the battle over cultural appropriation and intellectual property may not be over yet.