Gabrielle Union Leans On Daughter's Clothing Line Amid 'AGT' Firing
Gabrielle Union may be banking on a new income strategy after her unceremonious ending at "America's Got Talent." The former judge just shored up some issues with her 1-year-old daughter Kaavia James' ongoing trademark applications and signed off permission to make it clear she still plans on building an empire with the baby's brand.
According to documents obtained by The Blast, the daughter of Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union had a snafu with her trademark applications for the marks of "Kaavia James" and "Shady Baby." The examining attorneys from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office warned that the applications were too similar to other marks, and also brought up an issue with baby James not having one of her parents give documented permission for her name to be used in connection to goods and services.
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The Document
The week before Thanksgiving, the former "AGT" judge took matters into her own hands by filing documents giving permission for her daughter's name to be used.
"In particular, I consent to the use and registration of my minor child's name "KAAVIA JAMES" on or in connection with the goods and services specified in the above-referenced application serial numbers."
A similar document was filed in the trademark application for the baby's other mark, "Shady Baby."
The document was signed by Gabrielle on November 15, about a week before the news broke that the star would not be returning to her judging duties on "America's Got Talent."
Shady Baby
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade welcomed Kaavia James Union Wade on November 7, 2018 via surrogate. It wasn't long before Union gave her baby the nickname, Shady Baby, because of the little one's classic side-eye and attitude. She immediately began work on branding Shady Baby for a clothing line, which launched earlier this year with New York & Company.
"What started out as just wanting to make matching outfits that @kaaviajames and I could wear (and our dog Tre) - transformed into something bigger that includes all babies," Union wrote on Instagram.
She added, "The line was inspired by busy moms who need easy, cute and comfortable clothes for their babies… and of course, @kaaviajames' dynamic personality."
The pieces ranged from $15 - $45 and featured all sorts of fun prints and slogans, however, it was apparently a limited run and is almost entirely sold out on the New York & Company website.
AGT Drama
The move by Union to secure her daughter's trademark could be telling considering she currently does not appear to have any big projects in the works. Union was fired from "AGT," along with Julianne Hough, and word quickly got out that the "Bring It On" star was unhappy with her treatment by NBC execs.
It was reported that Union was criticized for her hairstyle and physical appearance and that she may have taken heat over complaining about jokes from guest judges, like Jay Leno.
Simon Cowell has remained completely silent on the situation, but his company released a statement Sunday night after a weekend of outrage against the show and network.
"We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture."
The statement also claimed, "We are working with Ms. Union through her representatives to hear more about her concerns, following which we will take whatever next steps may be appropriate."
Howard Stern also had some comments Monday morning about the situation ... and unlike Simon Cowell, he did not hold back.
