Sylvanian Families Sues Viral TikTok Creator Over Adult-Themed Parody Skits
Japanese toy company Epoch Co. Ltd, the makers of Sylvanian Families, has filed a lawsuit in the United States against Irish TikTok creator Thea Von Engelbrechten, accusing her of copyright infringement over a series of viral videos featuring the beloved children’s toys in dark, adult-themed storylines.
The legal action, filed in the Southern District of New York on July 4, claims that Von Engelbrechten’s videos – shared under the account name SylvanianDrama – have caused “irreparable harm” to the brand’s image and reputation. Epoch contends the skits, which involve topics such as infidelity, substance abuse, violence, and murder, are far removed from the wholesome universe Sylvanian Families is known for.
Sylvanian Families, first released in 1985, have long been marketed as a gentle, nature-loving community of anthropomorphic animal characters with names like Freya the Chocolate Rabbit and Ambrose the Walnut Squirrel. The toys are associated with quaint adventures such as family picnics, shopping trips, and afternoon teas. But in Von Engelbrechten’s world, they find themselves entangled in relationship drama, social media toxicity, and emotional breakdowns.
With over 2.5 million followers and 68 million likes on TikTok alone, SylvanianDrama has grown into a global sensation. The account has expanded to Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), and even secured collaborations with major brands such as Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Netflix, and Hilton.
Von Engelbrechten has responded to the lawsuit by filing a legal counterclaim, asserting that her videos qualify as parody – protected under fair use laws. In a past interview with influencer marketing platform Fohr, she described her inspiration as a mix of “cringey TV shows, early 2000s comedy,” and her own personal experiences as a 22-year-old navigating issues like insecurity, toxic relationships, and social expectations.
“I have a lot of storylines about insecure people, diet culture, toxic men, and sustainability, which I think other girls my age are also thinking a lot about,” she said. She also joked that her cats, described as “sassy and self-obsessed,” helped inspire the Sylvanian characters’ more sinister side.
A pre-trial conference is scheduled for August 14, where both legal teams are expected to discuss possible settlement terms or prepare for a full trial.
As of now, neither Epoch Co. Ltd nor Von Engelbrechten has issued a public statement regarding the case.
