BEVERLY HILLS, May 30, (THEWILL) – Nigerian fashion designer, Ugo Monye is accusing producers of the blockbuster movie, Coming To America 2, of intellectual theft. Ugo accused them of reproducing and using his popular ‘Reale’ design in the movie without his consent. This accusation is coming two months after the movie debuted. Monye said the ‘Reale’ design, which features a kimono and is a less bulky concept of the Agbada robe was copied in the movie without giving him due credit as the originator of the design.
According to him, the producers of the movie through Ruth E. Carter, the costumier, commissioned tailors in Nigeria to reproduce outfits that infringed on his copyright. The design was first worn by master of ceremonies and television presenter, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, at the wedding of singer, Bankole Wellington, otherwise known as Banky W.
Released on March 4, the movie is known for its diverse combination of African designs and fabric alongside colourful ankara prints. The movie featured Hollywood actors like Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, KiKi Layne, Shari Headley, Teyana Taylor, Wesley Snipes, Davido etc.
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