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)
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)
References
Fast Facts
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Manufacturer
Ty Inc.
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Ty Inc. is the manufacturer of the popular Beanie Babies toys
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New dolls were named "Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia"
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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)
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"Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia" were part of the Ty Girlz collectionVOA News: US First Lady Unhappy... (January 25, 2009)
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The dolls bear a striking resemblance to first daughters Sasha and Malia Obama
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Ty originally stated that the dolls were inspired by the first daughtersVOA News: US First Lady Unhappy... (January 25, 2009)
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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)
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Ty Inc. then denied that the dolls were meant to resemble Sasha and Malia Obama
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First Lady Michelle Obama has criticized the dollsVOA News: US First Lady Unhappy... (January 25, 2009)
