OMG Girlz Case Sidesteps Cultural Appropriation’s Day in Court

Former teen pop group OMG Girlz is back in a California courtroom today claiming that doll maker MGA Entertainment ripped off its name, style, and likeness.

The singers’ belief that their work as Black female entertainers also was stolen won’t—however—be at issue.

The new trial follows a courtroom battle where testimony on the claim of “cultural appropriation” was introduced against the judge’s orders, leading to a January mistrial, a volley of racism allegations, and demands for sanctions.

“In American jurisprudence, there’s no claim for cultural appropriation,” said Kevin J. Greene, a professor teaching intellectual property at ...