Black women may invest millions in the beauty industry, often receiving little value in return, but former supermodel Tyra Banks isn’t going for that: denying at least 10 wig companies the chance to profit off her name and likeness.
According to TMZ:
“Tyra just filed a lawsuit against 10 companies that make wigs … and in the suit she claims they’re all biting her ‘name, photograph, image, and identity’ — as well as her trademarks.
“We did some quick research and discovered several of the companies do have Tyra’s photos and Tyra inspired wigs on their websites.
“A few examples: The Yaky straight[Tyra-Banks style] wig, the Tyra Banks custom lace wig #046, and our fave — the Tyra Banks inspired human hair wig. We’re guessing it’s not actually TB’s hair you’re buying … although it does cost $300!”
That’s very bold for an industry primarily owned by Koreans who have been accused of operating a monopoly that blocks black entrepreneurs from entering.
Banks is suing for “an injunction to stop the sale of the infringing products — and at least $10 million in damages.”
