OAK BROOK, Ill. — The company that makes the popular Beanie Babies is hoping for two more big winners with dolls named “Sweet Sasha,” pictured at far left, and “Marvelous Malia,” left.
But, no, the names do not refer to President Barack Obama’s daughters, a Ty Inc. spokeswoman says. Honest!
Ty released the 12-inch dolls as part of the company’s “TyGirlz Collection.” The Chicago-area company chose the names because “they are beautiful names,” not because of any resemblance to Malia and Sasha Obama, said Tania Lundeen.
First lady Michelle Obama’s press secretary, Katie McCormick Lelyveld, said Thursday that it was “inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes.”
Lundeen would not comment on legal issues or if the company’s lawyers have become involved with the dolls.
