T.I. and Tiny awarded $53 million in punitive damages after MGA lawsuit over OMG Girlz dolls

Rapper T.I. and his wife, Tameka "Tiny" Harris, are set to receive over $53 million in punitive damages after a federal judge reinstated the award in their ongoing lawsuit against MGA Entertainment. 

The case revolves around the Harris family's claim that MGA copied their OMG Girlz singing group to create seven dolls.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge James Selna ruled to uphold the jury’s September 23 verdict, which included $17.8 million in profits from the dolls and an additional $53,616,759 in punitive damages. This decision followed a January 6 hearing where both sides presented their arguments.

Initially, Selna had suggested he might eliminate the punitive damages, citing insufficient evidence to justify such a large sum. However, after reconsideration, he determined that the jury’s verdict should stand, as both parties had agreed to a jury trial. Selna noted that MGA did not object to the jury deciding on punitive damages, which further supported his decision to reinstate the full award.

In addition, Selna sided with the Harrises regarding the $17.8 million profit award, rejecting MGA's argument that overhead costs should reduce the amount. MGA had proposed a lower figure of $9,180,277, but the judge ruled that the company failed to provide enough evidence to support this claim.

Tameka Harris expressed her joy following the ruling, referring to the case as “the third time’s the charm.” This legal victory comes after a prior mistrial and an earlier MGA win, and it marks a significant win for the Harris family in their battle with MGA Entertainment.