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Ty Inc. introduced two dolls, "Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia" in January 2009. The African-American Dolls bore a striking resemblance to President Obama's daughters Sasha and Malia.
After a negative backlash from both Michelle Obama and multiple media outlets, Ty Inc. announced on Febraury 3, 2009, that it would discontinue the 'Malia' and 'Sasha' dolls. Ty's official website listed the dolls as "retired."The New York Times: Dollmaker Drops Sasha & Malia Figures (February 3, 2009) According to a statement from the company, Ty has renamed the dolls, which will be sold as "Marvelous Mariah" and "Sweet Sydney."Daily News: Beanie Babies makers Ty Inc. 'retire' Sweet Sasha... (February 4, 2009)
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Fast Facts
- Manufacturer: Ty Inc.
- Price: $10 to $29VOA News: US First Lady Unhappy... (January 25, 2009)
- Ty Inc. is the manufacturer of the popular Beanie Babies toys
- New dolls were named "Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia"
- Dolls were "retired" in early-February 2009The New York Times: Dollmaker Drops Sasha & Malia Figures (February 3, 2009)
- Ty officials said dolls would be sold under new names "Sweet Sydney" and "Marvelous Mariah"Daily News: Beanie Babies makers Ty Inc. 'retire' Sweet Sasha... (February 4, 2009)
- "Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia" were part of the Ty Girlz collectionVOA News: US First Lady Unhappy... (January 25, 2009)
- The dolls bear a striking resemblance to first daughters Sasha and Malia Obama
- Ty originally stated that the dolls were inspired by the first daughtersVOA News: US First Lady Unhappy... (January 25, 2009)
- The company later revised their statement, saying that the names for the dolls were chosen because they are "beautiful names"VOA News: US First Lady Unhappy... (January 25, 2009)
- Ty Inc. then denied that the dolls were meant to resemble Sasha and Malia Obama
- First Lady Michelle Obama has criticized the dollsVOA News: US First Lady Unhappy... (January 25, 2009)
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Presidential Inspiration
A spokesperson for Ty Inc. originally told the Chicago Sun-Times that the dolls were inspired by the First Daughters, but later told the Associated Press that the dolls were not named for the Obama children. The dolls have drawn criticism from First Lady Michelle Obama, whose press secretary released a statement saying, "We believe it is inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes."VOA News: US First Lady Unhappy... (January 25, 2009) -
Statement from Ty
"In deference to the wishes of the First Family, Ty Inc. has officially retired the Ty Girlz names Marvelous Malia and Sweet Sasha. While the names Marvelous Malia and Sweet Sasha were inspired by this historic time in our nation's history, the dolls were not intended to bear the likeness of the First Daughters."—Ty Warner, founder and CEO of Ty Inc.Daily News: Beanie Babies makers Ty Inc. 'retire' Sweet Sasha... (February 4, 2009) -
Quotes
How can we resist?—Tania Lundeen, Ty Inc. spokespersonChicago Sun-Times: Mrs. Obama: Don't exploit... (January 23, 2009)It would not be fair to say they are exact replications of these girls. They are not.—Tania Lundeen, Ty Inc. spokespersonChicago Sun-Times: Mrs. Obama: Don't exploit... (January 23, 2009)
We believe it is inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes.—Katie McCormick Lelyveld, Michelle Obama's press secretaryChicago Sun-Times: Mrs. Obama: Don't exploit... (January 23, 2009)
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The Mahalo Top 7
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E! Online: ...Sasha and Malia Dolls Get New Names
eonline.com (February 04, 2009) -
Washington Post: First Lady Assails Use of Daughters'...
washingtonpost.com (January 25, 2009) -
Official Site: Ty Girlz Collection
ty-girlz.ty.com -
People: Toy Company Renames Malia, Sasha Dolls
people.com (February 04, 2009) -
Daily News: Beanie Babies makers Ty Inc. 'retire' Sweet Sasha...
nydailynews.com (February 04, 2009) -
The New York Times: Dollmaker Drops Sasha & Malia Figures
thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com (February 03, 2009) -
CNN: Ty 'retires' controversial Malia and Sasha dolls
politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com (February 03, 2009)
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E! Online: ...Sasha and Malia Dolls Get New Names
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Sasha and Malia Dolls on Amazon | View All
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Authenticated TY Girlz Sweet SASHA and Marvelous MALIA Obama Dolls (Original Release - Before Name Change) - $300.00
This listing is for the retired set of Ty Girlz Marvelous Malia and Sweet Sasha. These dolls are the exact dolls which have been retired by Ty as a result of pressure from the Obamas. Please note that Sweet Sasha does not have braids and ne...
Amazon -
NBC News Presents: Yes We Can! - The Barack Obama Story - $11.98
This special commemorative program spans the life of Barack Obama, from his early childhood to his historic election as the 44th president of the United States. Go inside his unprecedented campaign. Discover how he overcame adversity on the...
Amazon
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Sasha and Malia Dolls on Twitter Powered by Twitter
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Malia And Sasha Dolls: Michelle Obama is absolutely furious over two new dolls named "Marvelous Malia.. http://bit.ly/2fEPqj
@prammiggoro | November 06, 2009 11:09 AM
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Questions and Answers About Sasha and Malia Dolls | View All | Ask a Question
View All Sasha and Malia Dolls Questions (83) | Ask a QuestionDo you think the new Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia dolls are exploitative? (3 Answers)Totally. What really irks me is that the company (Ty) is lying about it. At first they said the dolls were inspired by the Obama children. Then, after they learned ... read moreJapanese dolls - details? (1 Answer)Japanese Dolls: http://www.japonista.com/hina-dolls/images/main_12.jpg Japanese dolls are of various types . Out of which the following are a few famous ones. The Damura Dolls: http://www.japan-guide.com/g5/2104_01.jpg Daruma dolls are spherical dolls with ... read moreAre children going to stop playing with ordinary dolls now that the Dora Links Doll is interactive with the web through a computer port? (2 Answers)As high tech toys come and go each year, the old stand bys such as dolls and even the cardboard box will never leave a child's imagination and love. Kids ... read more
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