Michelle Obama: 'Inappropriate' to use daughters to sell dolls
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/LIVING/01/22/obama.dolls/art.sasha.malia.dolls.ty.jpg caption="Ty, the maker of Beanie Babies, is introducing two new Ty Girlz dolls named Marvelous Malia and Sweet Sasha."]
WASHINGTON (CNN) – They’ve been in the White House less than a week, but the first daughters have already been co-opted by marketers — and Michelle Obama isn’t happy about it.
Ty, the toy company responsible for the popular Beanie Babies dolls, is now marketing “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia” dolls.
The first lady’s office said Friday Ty was out of line. “We feel it is inappropriate to use young private citizens for marketing purposes,” said a spokeswoman for Michelle Obama in a statement.
A Ty representative told CNN the company generally avoids naming dolls for “any particular living individual,” because doing so might interfere with how kids use their imaginations to play with them. But they wouldn’t reveal the source of their inspiration for the new figures, telling CNN that information relating to the development of the company’s merchandise - including how it comes up with products, product names, and trademarks – is proprietary.
Related video: First lady miffed by 'Malia,' 'Sasha' dolls
–CNN White House Producer Becky Brittain contributed to this report.
They wouldn't say where they got the inspiration for the dolls.
Gee! I wonder where they got it?
I have no clue.
(Sarcasm off)
Ty Co. is wrong and should at the very least donate the sales to a charitable organization.
Boo Hoo is right – get used to it – and yes I am looking forward to the next chapter as well.
Save your outrage for something more important . The dolls are cute.
Hey Mrs Obama: You paraded them all over the U.S. The only one to blame is YOURSELF.
Get used to it.
Hey Michelle, get over it. I knew you would be the BIG B of the White House. How many singers, actors, famous kids you name it that have dolls made of them. I am sure your girls have had them.
Didn't the Obamas market their kids when they announced J. Crew made their inauguration day clothes?
Isn't J. Crew profting on that sweet little announcement?
Got to take the good with the bad, Michelle!!
I, as a parent, don't blame her. They don't deserve this despite being in the limelight. They need their privacy... the whole First Family. This isn't GI Joe.
The most disturbing thing is that TY has their toys made in China! TY will exploit anyone for a buck.
I am not sure i agree with TY, but IMO- there will be a lot a naysayers that run out and buy these dolls before they are pulled off the shelves.
The dolls will be considered collectibles.
BTW – what is the difference between the vendors at the Inauguration using the girls pictures on buttons, etc..and these dolls?
That is just too funny. How mad is she going to be when they come out with voodoo dolls like the far left did of GW.
I used to love my Royal family cutout dolls! Think of all the little girls who will love these cute dolls, and by the way the Obama girls will be on mugs, buttons, stickers, T shirts...! Of course PBO would rather put these out as campaign fund raisers – right! 🙁
What store are they in? Exploitation "R" us!
I hope they sell millions of them-anything to get the economy moving !
SERIOUSLY... Kids are OFF Limits and WE the people should BOYCOTT companies that cross these lines...
SPREAD THE WORD PEOPLE... BOYCOTT these kind of Corporations!!!
It's a TOY...kids play with TOYS. Be flattered the girls are being honored in this way. The lives of public servants and their families are never truly private. Get over it.
NBNB...A lady who hides.... Who is she?...Typical CNN...
"But they wouldn’t reveal the source of their inspiration"
Because you know you were wrong? Where's my Beanie Baby?
"You wanted the Lime light you got it', 'it goes with the territory", "Quit whining"...how would you people like it if someone was exploiting your children to make a buck. Ty did not even have permission from the parents to use the names of their minor childrens. You all would be LIVID if it wre your children.
I agree with Mrs. Obama, however these were the people who voted for you. They did not respect the Presidency under Bush, do not expect them to respect your family. Unfortunately, that is America today.
This is horrible news and morally wrong. And for all you folks waiting on the President to make a mistake guess what he already has so stop waiting.
@Steve in Las Vegas,NV January 23rd, 2009 7:54 pm ET
Some people will do ANYTHING to make a buck, but this is totally shameless. It is illegal to use someone's likeness without permission, and this no different.
Why is there no Palin doll??? Why these two beautiful little girls??
SHAME SHAME SHAME! ****Palin is Monster*****
At least they aren't cabbage patch kids likethe Sarah Palin. She has cankles. LOL!!
BOYCOTT NOW! DO NOT BUY THEIR LEAD-LADEN PRODUCTS!
simple thought-learn how to spell
I think they should be pulled off the shelves and not be made. It is wrong and they should leave the girls alone.