'Coming 2 America': Why Nigerian Designer Ugo Monye Is Threatening To Sue Movie Producers

Ugo Monye, one of Nigeria's top designers is threatening to sue the producers of Coming 2 America over the alleged use of his design in the film.

Monye went on Instagram to express his thoughts on the matter, saying that his company's 'Reale Design' was reproduced and featured in the movie without his authorization.

According to the designer, the producers commissioned some tailors/designers in Nigeria to make some costumes for Coming 2 America that is an infringement on his company's designs.

He shared side by side pictures of his design with screenshots from two scenes in the film where men behind actors Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall can be seen wearing what appears to be a replica of his design.

Part of the post reads: "It has come to our attention that our registered Reale Design was reproduced and featured in the movie 'Coming 2 Amerca' (the 'Movie') without UML's authorization.

"The producers - Paramount Pictures, New Republic Productions, Eddie Murphy Productions and Misher Film Productions - through the costume designer of the movie, Ruth E. Carter (the 'Movie Players') commissioned some tailors and designers in Nigeria to design and produce some costumes for the movie that are an infringement of UML's design.

Ugo Monye

"...We are currently taking action to ensure that this infringement ceases and is remedied. In addition to protecting our business and goodwill, we believe it is high time we took a stand against cultural appropriation; non-Africans continuing to profit off African culture unauthorisedly.

"We hope that the movie players and costume designers do the right thing and stop taking advantage of the sweat and goodwill of a smaller brand, painstakingly built over years."

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A post shared by Ugo Monye (@ugomonye.official)