MEXICO CITY-Distant relatives of the
late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo said Friday
they have won a temporary injunction that
stops sales of a Frida Barbie doll.
Kahlo's great-niece Mara de Anda
Romeo argues that Mattel doesn't have
the rights to use Kahlo's image as part of
its Inspiring Women series.
According to a copy of the ruling, the toy
maker and department stores in Mexico
must stop commercializing the doll until
the issue is resolved.
Pablo Sangri, a lawyer for de Anda
Romeo, said those named in the suit can
appeal the ruling.
Mattel has said it worked with the
Panama-based Frida Kahlo Corp. which it
claims has rights to the artist's image. The
corporation said it got the rights through
Kahlo's niece, Isolda Pinedo Kahlo, more
than a decade ago.
"This Barbie doll is meant to honor Frida
Kahlo's great legacy and story," Mattel said
in a statement Friday. "We followed the
correct steps to secure permission and
look forward to the matter being resolved
in court."
Critics say the doll doesn't reflect Kahlo's
heavy, nearly conjoined eyebrows, and its
costume doesn't accurately portray her
elaborate Tehuana-style dresses.
That is, it's more Barbie-like than Fridalike.
Barbie is an American icon that has
often been criticized as promoting an
unrealistic body image and consumerist
lifestyle. Kahlo was a lifelong communist
who died in 1954 before the doll was introduced.