The Secret History of Cabbage Patch Kids | American Obsessions

Cabbage Patch Kids were one of the most popular toys of the 80s. Over the course of the decade, the dolls reportedly generated about $2 billion in sales.
The dolls were originally invented by a Kentucky artist named Martha Nelson Thomas. Martha first started making them in the early 70s, and would "adopt" them out to family and friends.
The dolls eventually caught the eye of Xavier Roberts, a Georgia man who ran a gift shop. After Martha denied him permission to sell her dolls, he stole the design and began making his own versions.
Xavier's dolls, which each had his signature printed on the ass, became wildly successful over the next few years. Their popularity reached its peak in 1983, when shortages of the dolls over the Christmas period led to mini-riots in toy stores across the country. Through all this, Martha didn't make a single penny from her creation.
In this video, we travel to Kentucky to meet with friends and family of Martha, and hear how the Cabbage Patch craze affected her life. We also traveled to Maryland, to meet Pat and Joe Prosey, who believe they have the largest private collection of Cabbage Patch Kids on the planet.
Read: The 'Haunted Dolls' of Ebay: bit.ly/1PHZxMM
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[@nerdatheart94]

Poor Martha. She sounds like a wonderful woman. She truly understood what a child wanted in a doll, and knew how precious it would be to the child. She had a kind heart, and this asshat comes in and steals it.

[@missdemon92]

she probably should've done that before he did... instead of sitting there and being "heartbroken".. new world order man.

[@coreym162]

@Fa Jae - I sort of agree. She was already selling them. So, she should have at least won the company from that Xavier bastard and turned the company around to the way she saw fit. Then reached a larger audience of children in need of her vision around the world. Now, Cabbage Patch Kids are tarnished. However, I do understand her not wanting to mass produce them. She could have turned them into specialty items or given the mass production rights to someone she trusted or both. Sitting on it helps nobody.

[@Survivor58]

Corey M Her husband (seems like they really loved each other) said she wasn’t about the money but she did because she enjoyed it. Greedy people are those who only care about the almighty dollar.

[@tgirl1762]

Survivor 58 If she didn't care about the money why go to court at all then?

[@Survivor58]

Latoya Burton Good question. Sometimes it’s the principle. Those who feel this way want to let those who have wronged them know that they need to pay by acknowledging they did wrong. Not everyone is a lover of money.

[@joonjoon2]

You can really see what kind of woman martha was when you see the penguin doll and sheets she made for her kids. What a sweet lady

[@elxchamuco]

george clooney those were amazing true talent

[@grungelovr5798]

george clooney Oh yes so true so true. Tell us more about it.

[@RatTaxi]

george clooney wasn't that fantastic?

[@jorchindattorch8340]

She was precious. The world lost an awesome person when she died. RIP Martha

[@celestetibbetts3964]

george clooney omg. worse than the joker my dear..

[@ellekay8657]

This is a very sad story but Look how people spoke about her, look how much family and friends loved her. That is true wealth.

[@hoijink.9252]

Elle Kay yess :") im sure she was a very lovely person

[@dt4654]

@Trantor The Troll that works if your family is rich,not so much if they aren't.

[@sunflowing]

Money would've messed them all up. "It is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than it is for a camel to enter the eye of a needle" true is true

[@jennj308]

When I was little, I took a lot of comfort in my cabbage patch kids. Thank you, Martha Nelson, for giving me my first friends. I wish you had gotten your due.

[@_beary_and_friends]

When her husband started crying, my heart broke. He's right though, a million dollars can't buy you an amazing life with your spouse. Wouldn't trade my husband for anything.

[@JeromePJr]

Greed is good

[@kelliintexas3575]

She ultimately won, Hands downs! NO COMPARISON!!

[@CharleneOrtizTraining]

Me too. We've been together 24 years and married for 22. We've been through so many life challenges and life's blessings and I wouldn't give it up for anything.

[@observer1033]

The dolls being placed on the front pew at her funeral is so touching and fitting.

[@kelliintexas3575]

mandy That part made me cry 😕

[@Cece46654]

That was beautiful.

[@unashay]

we need more Marthas in this world!.... Bless her heart! .

[@timewastermohanty]

unashay actually we don't need more like her. We need people who could choke slam a person trying to steal their idea. Martha was too nice for this world.

[@usedbyjesus]

timewastermohanty omg lol wow..someone who is business smart lol

[@FiiDeLLaCaShFLoW]

I agree! But humans suck and will only take advantage of people like her...this world is only about survival of the fittest...

[@RadioForYahweh]

unashay We do they get ran over like she did and forgotten by all. she was lucky to have someone actually care to get her story out.

[@ariglb]

timewastermohanty Or someone that understands how and why to use copyright.

[@ashmoonz]

What a beautiful and sweet woman Martha seemed to be! I was born in 1989 and grew up with cabbage patch dolls. I always took such pride is having them until now, finding out that the dolls I had were rip-offs of Marthas creations. I'm glad I now know who deserves the true credit for these incredible dolls.

[@sumrsolo]

ashmoonz I was born in 1988 but otherwise same here and I just bought my 2 year old a cabbage patch kid wet and drink travel set for her 3rd birthday party coming up like crazy soon and I feel really bad now...I can't cancel it or take it back now. But I have that feeling of being lied to so I wish I never bought it. At least I know and I can let my daughter know this story which I'm sure that's all Martha wanted for us and herself. For her to be remembered for her true work as at least part of it and for us to have the truth. I believe she really felt bad for us all being lied to by such scum and being over charged.

[@MelB868]

The original dolls were creepy and who cares this man made them better

[@watchinvidzwatchinvidz7691]

Melanie Barksdale You totally missed the point... Martha didn't want them mass produced

[@divinewords4350]

I used to love Cabbage Patch dolls. I had 13 of them. I am an adult toy collector and after watching this, I will never buy one again.

[@jessicapace4235]

I was born in 1978, and as a young child became so excited over these dolls. I had many, as did several friends. I can’t believe I never knew the history.

[@rachelmcdaniel8999]

Thank you, Martha Nelson Thomas for your dolls that have brought so much joy to so many people. I'm sorry you never received the true credit you deserved. Even though the "Cabbage Patch Kids" were stolen from you, they were clearly your dolls and were a much loved part of my childhood in the 80's.

[@elizabethcrossley6853]

If it wasnt her idea he would have stolen another idea. He was an opportunist. Im glad she got recognition in the end

[@denaturner8871]

Elizabeth Crossley it wasn't her idea... all but the adoption part, that was hers.

[@urielarriaga3075]

Sin duda Martha era una mujer muy maternal y tierna tengo una pequeña colección de cabbage ahora las valoro mas

[@AnnaM-mr9pg]

I used to work at babyland (cabbage patch kids original store) and I can definitely vouch that Xavier has copied everything this woman stood for, he knows it too. All the workers knew it. I found it heartbreaking, so if anyone ever asked, I always told them the truth.

[@RPSteve]

Anna Manning Well there's no way I'll ever work at the Baby land General Hospital! And I think Xavier Roberts is a huge arse!

[@parismarksvlogs8016]

Anna Manning omg omg I wanted to go there for a year i can't believe you was a noruse there

[@everythingispain8433]

Well, fancy finding you on KZbin, best friend

[@everythingispain8433]

LMAO PLEASE FONT JUDGE MY OLD CREEPY PASTA VIDEOS FROM FRESHMAN YEAR I JUST STILL USE THE ACCOUNT

[@amirablue.b186]

Wow that's so cool I've always wanted to see that place too

[@PlsWaLuigiDomMe]

Someone should make a movie based on this

[@eileenrodriguez1297]

+Ann Riba totally

[@Mrbrbusby]

They already did. Run Totem through KZbin. Starring Natja Brunckhorst. Same concept: Anthropomorphism.

[@PlsWaLuigiDomMe]

Mrbrbusby .busby Thanks

[@IntoBlackHouse]

+Ann Riba If you want to see a movie about something similar, watch Big Eyes

[@Agforever12]

+IntoBlackHouse that's what I was going to say!! We watched that movie in art class, and my friends said I looked like, Janie.

[@lorenamontibeller3519]

Netflix should tells the real story!

[@ElRosco187]

Shit would be awesome.

[@kelliintexas3575]

Well she may not have made the Cabbage patch brand but generations of children were made happy due to her creativity & love she sent out into the world! Those doll babies were the inspiration behind millions of childrens happiness, dreams, mental escapes for childrens in hospitals, foster care, abusive homes, broken families and children wiith out friends. That I think was worth more then anything. She eventually was compensated, but I tend to think when she got to heaven there was a big golden star next to her name!!!

[@ragantate3995]

Gold star next to her name? Heaven isn’t a kindergarten grade chart.

[@Talibanguerilla]

Hello! My name Is Katie, Im actually on my sons account. Anyway im 31 years old and just happened to stumble on to this video and I am 100 % positive I have a doll baby from Martha. I live in Illinois but my Grandmother was from Owensboro Kentucky and When I Was a baby my Granny gave me a doll that I later named bimbo. Bimbo went everywhere with me as a child. I also owned Cabbage patch dolls, but only because they looked so similar to my beloved bimbo. I always assumed bimbo was a cabbage patch doll but always wondered why it wasn't signed on its bottom... Now I know why!!! This is so sad to know that this woman was ripped off by xavier. My reason for posting this comment is only to let the family know that I loved my doll bimbo and still treasure this doll today. I'm glad to know the real story behind my doll. Thank you Martha for making my childhood special! 💕

[@Kpoper4life]

Great story, I just can't believe you called your doll Bimbo, though it's understandable.

[@KateCarew]

Omg My Grammy and I used to go to the Berea Kentucky art fairs every summer (living in northwest Ohio) and I remember she gave me one of these and I was a damn ingrate!! It was probably 1984(?!) and I was sooooo not having this "fake" cabbage patch doll polluting my collection of purebreds I banished it to the bottom of my stuffed animal pile!! I was only six so what did I know? I knew the velveteen rabbit so I didn't throw her out but I certainly did not appreciate her either...lost her a decade later when my room flooded. All at once I feel guilt and sorrow and damn do I miss my Grammy!! Martha, Grandma, I AM SORRY!!! 😭

[@KateCarew]

Hey, bimbo is a great name :) it just means little boy in Italian! Girl would be bimba and they are the ultimate terms of endearment ❤️💕❤️

[@drunkenfish6274]

Jacob Sago that doll is worth thousands.

[@davidturbo8566]

Rahmstation not really ,they’re really not worth that much but will definitely go up in value...

[@handmiadenofgod]

Awe, Martha :( He may have stolen her idea and desecrated her art, but I'm sure he'll never take away the joy she brought to her community with her creations. He's rolling in millions, but Martha was far richer in spirit. Long live craftswomen!

[@jengeesh]

M of

[@aaronvaughn9273]

Yes she was my great great aunt

[@accountname2476]

This actually made me pretty sad :(

[@DamonCassada345]

A million cabbage patch kids are crying around the world.

[@miketv2331]

Cindy Swadling Does it make you sad when DJs use samples from other artists? Pantyhose dolls were a meme in the 1970s...nobody "owned" the idea, & everybody was free to profit from it. DJs, on the other hand, directly steal original creations from artists, & then profit from them under the pretense of having created something new.

[@miketv2331]

readyrepairs Sorry... did I disturb your moment of sadness over fucking panty hose dolls?

[@himynameischarky7185]

Cindy Swadling me too but it didn't destroy my love 4 cpks

[@ladygirlblah]

Miriam Moore from this point on, i am team garbage pail kids...screw that dude....even though my fav doll that i have had for 20 years is a cabbage patch kid...

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

WOOOOW!!!! I love how she turned her children's drawings into toys!! 😍 That is insane cool, what a talented, sweet lady!!!!

[@samanthablank6726]

Martha and her husband seem like such amazing genuine people! ❤️❤️ happy to hear others say such amazing thing about her! Cabbage patch dolls were my entire childhood and it honestly breaks my heart knowing I played with them and the owner wasn’t given the credit for them. My boyfriend is a artist and I know how hard someone works on their craft!

[@annah371371]

sounds like she passed peacefully and her life was celebrated. .. i bet it won't be the same for Xavier Roberts.

[@hellcatz25]

300 like

[@marcosreyes3873]

There should be a movie made. To give her a voice, and let the truth come out to all the cabbage patch kids owners and the kids from the 80's who had one to know the real story behind the doll.

[@maryannemmery2101]

Marcos Reyes yes , like the McDonalds movie, where it talks about how THAT went down.

[@MARSHAJAN1983]

That's a great idea...there should be a movie made about Martha.

[@maryannemmery2101]

There IS a movie made about the McDonalds, it came out last year, it is shown on Netflix at the moment and it shows what actually happened and how etc. it's called "The Founder". I still agree and believe there should be a new movie about Martha! For example, I didn't know the story until I accidentally ended up here through a recommendation and the story is reverting and it's unfair the world doesn't know the real story/truth

[@shanesmith906]

Marcos Reyes I agree 100%

[@gliesecooper8526]

Agree!

[@mokulenable]

I'm not an emotional person normally but I lost it when he started to cry talking about his wife passing.

[@mariahlongest7465]

Mokulen Chan me too. The love and admiration he had for her was beyond crystal clearly apparent in that clip. It also showed when they displayed that adorable picture of home holding one of her dolls she made. He had that little doll in his big hands, held out in front of him and he was looking at that doll with this face that totally gave away how much he absolutely ADORED his wife! That picture was beyond adorable and cute! Also, the picture with the two of them holding their doll doppelgängers that she made for them, complete with matching outfits and a scruffy yarn beard, balding head and a pair of his glasses on his doll was absolutely precious!! This man truly loved his wife beyond what words could describe. My heart broke for him when he started to tear up and say how important she was to him and how much he missed her. Definitely a prime example of soulmates and being lucky enough to find your other half! What he did for her wedding was very kind and sweet - he knew how much her dolls, art and results of her creativity meant to her and to all of her loved ones. That was a very unique and special way they could all celebrate her life and passing together. They're all so lucky to have such important and personal items to remember her by and be able to keel a very sentimental piece of her close to them at all times. Must be comforting when they need her to have those things close by!!

[@beautyandtheoffbeats]

I started tearing when I saw the dolls at her funeral.

[@Survivor58]

Mokulen I know right. I thought I’ve always wanted a love like that. Even though I won’t have one I hope others may. That happens when people are deep down kind and put each other first.

[@livingreallife3277]

I felt the same way.

[@MonicaSpauldingfreelance]

I can't even finish watching this. The stories Xavier told about his, "discover, idea" of the dolls, has me livid! Him, a sculptor?! 😡

[@denaturner8871]

Monica Spaulding-Mott the stories these people are telling about her inventing them is making me mad too!

[@crazychick]

I can still remember my original Martha doll as a child.... This was a beautiful story of a beautiful woman!

[@qjelly6087]

Lol on his Wikipedia page it says he's an "American artist, businessman, and thief"

[@MarianMetanoia]

That's fantastic.

[@iknowmewhoareyou2615]

+luis mejia does it really? gonna check it out now!

[@missdemon92]

but why they keep calling him an artists... he didnt make those

[@PikachuProductionsPIKA]

+missdemon92 well he's an artist because he made the newer ones so he's artist

[@missdemon92]

Pikachu Productions oh

[@SimplyGameplayNews]

R.I.P Martha

[@mrcoolpants3956]

SimplyGameplayNews WHY DID YOU SAY THAT NAME

[@teresainfante2116]

mrcoolpants39 why can't he

[@mrcoolpants3956]

Ziree A.K.A BACONPANCAKES its from batman v. Superman

[@picklebananassplit9323]

🙏🙌may she walk through the golden gate's 👼

[@Hera8334]

What a horrible man. She seemed like such a lovely sweet women who made affordable dolls for kids that weren't as well off. But that man only made them for profit and greed. May her soul rest in peace.

[@EkAks]

Hera Kereopa I remember that my dad paid almost $33 with my birthday money I got.

[@denaredford6701]

She was a artist who loved creating sweet dolls . Bless her heart .

[@KraftyKreator]

I feel for her widower, he still misses her. They truly had a lovely connection we all wish we will have-- well the vast majority. Thanks Vice.

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

I just want to share an idea I've had for anyone wanting to get rid of their Cabbage Patch Kids after seeing this video. Anyone not wishing to profit from ill-gotten gains could donate their doll to a charity shop or even better they could be sold in order to raise money for cancer charities in memory of Martha. That would be a fitting tribute to her.

[@amirablue.b186]

NotMostGirls that would be a wonderful idea to save children's lives to because there are a lot of children fighting cancer hope someone takes you on this and find a way to start it

[@Survivor58]

NotMostGirls Excellent idea.

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

Amira Blue.b, thank you, I appreciate that. I think it could potentially be beneficial and a way for something positive to come from something negative.

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

Survivor 58, thank you, that's nice of you to say.

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

Lanky Kong, I agree with you.

[@TaraDobbs]

After watching this video I realized I had an original Martha doll. My grandmother commissioned it when I was born in 1980. It had brunette hair, baby soft pink dress with ruffles and a bonnet to match with cotton pink booties. I have since lost the doll in my move from Tennessee to Washington state cause my father disowned me; giving away all my belongs. Wish I had a photo of the doll so I could find it again. I would recognize it in a hurry if it ever came on ebay.

[@charissseburchett8353]

Sorry that happened 😔

[@dawnaldridge2993]

Look up MN Thomas dolls on ebay. The heads are on there.

[@user-qu5ju9ph2y]

Reddit is the place to go for this

[@denaturner8871]

Were you told that it actually came from this lady? Or was it a doll that looked like these but couldn't be confirmed that it was from her line?

[@Wowjustwow37]

Tara Dobbs my mom had one made for us by an older black lady from the south and got us cabbage patch dolls the next year. We always loved the hand made ones more!

[@para-mentischannelbypiggsy4240]

Difference with Martha's doll is they where made with love.

[@lillyfbennett6423]

That made each one unique, the 'C P's were ugly because they were clones, not creations. A child could look for one that had the personality that suited them, then they would love it too.

[@picklerick9036]

Bless his heart....his love for her is so pure, and beautiful.......Martha your dream lives on sweetheart...so modest

[@thetoastpleaser]

Bless Martha. I never knew this story and I'm so glad to see it. Those dolls in the pew at the end nearly made me cry.

[@ahhhndy]

This pisses me off, and I've always felt that Cabbage Patch Kids were way over priced.

[@femaleenergy7715]

andrea i agree!!!

[@EkAks]

Very true

[@vivihutson5285]

andrea they are

[@jeffcressey2502]

of course they were, but everything is companies will always charge what the market will bare.

[@eps3154]

I'm only halfway through. Please tell me her estate sued him into oblivion.

[@Tennantphile]

I had a cabbage patch kid. Still do. Time to cross our Xavier's name and write Martha

[@selkhiali6461]

you better burn it

[@sumrsolo]

This has to be the best comment in my opinion regarding this video. True that. I cried for these people. My childhood was a lie. We went with the wrong dolls and knew them as from the wrong person.

[@LissiKinz]

Except the CPK was mass produced. I wouldn’t insult her by placing her name on that.

[@engelwyre]

Martha Nelson Thomas touched lives, Xavier Roberts touched wallets.

[@Fatbby]

As someone who has been wanting to purchase a cabbage patch soft sculpt and research so much about the dolls and NEVER SEE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS. I can’t believe it. And I am heartbroken. Martha Nelson Thomas thank you for your creation in this world! You are not acknowledged enough.

[@katty.s]

“Martha and I had a wonderful life together. It wasn’t elborate but it was wonderful. I’m not gonna trade in that life for a few dollars.” What a great way to sum up that up.

[@GlitterNglitzDollz]

is it bad that i cried when the husband talked about all the dolls being in the front pews at her funeral ? because i think thats so cute and also so sad :(

[@shannonwalkling95]

I started tearing up when he was saying how he missed Martha :(

[@Dani-dw9ux]

If Martha was still alive I would have wanted to meet her. As many artist she never got recognized for her art and I respect the fact that when she settled the plead with the cabbagepatch man she didn't want money but justice

[@emanon-]

Martha's dolls were way cuter tbh. Cabbage Patch kids scared me when I was a kid

[@zebragirl1012]

They both look terrifying

[@lolololololololollolololol6858]

Natalie Carley horrifieng

[@andrea-fj6tt]

Natalie Carley ... LANA!

[@C00kii0]

The CP dolls were effing creepy as all heck.

[@jacintatarenta7531]

Yeah, that's true. The baby dolls are easier to handle. Honestly, I'm still scared of the CP dolls today!

[@hannahwills7253]

wow, I wasn't expecting to be crying by the end of this. It's horrible what Xavier did but Martha sounds like she was a great person and had a great life despite what he did

[@1021ladyvamp]

Thank you Martha for creating the doll that made me so happy. I know the mass market doll isn't here but if it wasn't for her I wouldn't have my doll so thank you.

[@VICE]

The dolls were originally invented by a Kentucky artist named Martha Nelson Thomas, but the design was stolen and transformed into a multi-billion dollar franchise. Martha never saw a penny. Read: *The 'Haunted Dolls' of Ebay*: bit.ly/1PHZxMM More *American Obsessions*: bit.ly/American-Obsessions

[@vernonsza]

VICE Never saw a penny? The video said she settled out of court.

[@tyfishmcwar5393]

SunriseInTheMidwest I would agree with that statement especially when she said "My Children could go to collage."

[@benisturning30]

I do not feel sorry for her.

[@flamedrag18]

VICE I don't see a patent for baby dolls....so it's not really a stolen idea, they've been making baby dolls for centuries, possibly millennia....

[@therealaim-9xmissile]

VICE I just hate when people steal other people's ideas seriously that is just bs I don't like dolls but I just don't like why people do this stuff still I like learning from these videos very shocking.

[@reem930]

Well shit. Now I feel like an ass for being obsessed with cabbage patch dolls as a kid. I had like upwards of 10. If only social media was a thing back then. He never woulda survived after it came out that he stole the idea from a sweet little lady. There woulda been like a freakin go fund me for her haha

[@stephaniesanchez6151]

reem930 eventually twitter would do its thing

[@beautifulhotstonespa964]

reem930 pp

[@virtuitousvampire9371]

I was always jealous of the kids that had them. Not that my parents were poor, but they just didn’t get what the fuss was about. I guess I’m glad I didn’t get a piece of capitalism that early in life.

[@qoaa]

My mom has an original doll baby from Martha. My mom absolutely HATED cabbage patch dolls, totally ripped off stolen idea and was shittier quality as cabbage patch was made by foreigners in Chinese sweat shops. Not by true high quality made in US by a creator who loved it and put every ounce of love in every stitch

[@atomixfang]

qoaa hahaha implying things made in the us have "true quality".

[@shereehamrick6966]

qoaa ummm.....at least some of the Cabbage Patch dolls were manufactured in Amsterdam, NY USA. Several of my relatives worked on them.

[@ritzlarka]

qoaa During the 80's the dolls were not, to my knowledge, made in China. The political issues of the time wouldn't have really allowed for that. The big push to move work overseas, I believed, gained momentum in the early/mid 90's.

[@TheBlueCerulean]

atomixfang I assume you're from some shitty third-world country.

[@atomixfang]

Tywin Lannister Try again. I guess that is the only thing your american brain can think of.

[@mondsafari]

I adore this woman. She brought so much love and joy to her community and lived a fulfilled life with her partner right by her side. I'd take that over millions of dollars everyday

[@janireguardado8507]

She sounds like such a wholesome sweet angel I hope she’s resting peacefully 💖

[@baker3person]

that is so sad. I hope martha recognized how greatly her work affected people

[@poop-bf4fs]

Poor Martha. Also Rest In Peace Martha

[@rushi927]

I am glad Vice was able to tell her story...

[@lansdale26]

May Martha rest in peace. This is just a beautiful thing that made me cry.

[@abipach6677]

I can’t imagine my art being ripped off and marked as someone else’s. Sadly this is still going on in the art community. Artist whether they’re traditional or digital, are having their art STOLEN.

[@sonofhibbs4425]

Happens more than you know. There were a couple stories about how some Etsy artists had their ideas ripped off entirely by some corporation. Hardly anything was changed, but some wealthy company stole their ideas and ran with it. Made shit tons of money from an artist who never got compensated for it. All any of these companies have to do is take a look at the sea of artists and their creations on these online websites to choose their next money making idea. Hardly anything legally can be done about it. It should be illegal to steal artist’s ideas.

[@fernforwood3989]

Hard enough to be an artist.

[@SykotikShadow]

But NFTs are BS

[@hawkeyeten2450]

Heck, movies are being ripped off as well. Disney ripped off nearly a whole scene or two in Soul from A Matter of Life and Death, a British film from 1946. Some Europeans on Twitter noticed the similarities and actually posted side by side stills to show how close they were. Sadly, this is still hardly known in America, apart from those of us who saw the Tweets.

[@karaeverman1164]

As a real artist myself having so many ideas all the time, is really a blessing and those ideas commonly get taken and changed or made better. It’s kind of part of being an artist giving ideas to the world, or sharing your ideas.

[@dorenemellene2201]

May Martha Nelson Thomas Rest In Peace. I have a Cabbage Patch Kid that is marked with Xavier, and it's going to burn. I don't want to buy anything from a thief. I send my condolences to her husband who obviously loved her very, very much. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

If you didn't actually burn the doll and still have it, why don't you donate it to a charity shop or sell it online and give the proceeds to a cancer charity? That would be a fitting tribute to the original and rightful creator.

[@dorenemellene2201]

NotMostGirls - I haven't burned the doll. Actually, I've been so busy with everyday life. I just forgot about it. Thanks for such a great idea, I will give it for charity.

[@jonbar76]

+Dorene Mellene. don't been it its just a doll made by a bad person 😑😑😑

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

Dorene Mellene, oh I'm so pleased :-)

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

howto42 How will that help anyone?

[@teresasimpson5143]

I actually worked at Toys R Us at that time. We had to keep the dolls in the security room and people didnt get a choice as to which one they got. This is such a sad story; I will never look at a Cabbage Patch Doll the same way again.

[@RatTaxi]

Teresa Simpson I never knew it was so bad that u got whatever they gave you! Pretty crazy.

[@emmyjeanhasacamera]

Martha's dolls are beautiful and so was she. Thanks for sharing her story, Vice.

[@RobinFlysHigh]

Martha's husband reminds in looks a lot of my dad who passed away in 2014. Let's hope he is still around, and may Martha rest in peace

[@pinkjt34]

Thank you! I guess because cabbage patch kids were part of my life, this story is very important. So my thanks to her for creating them. And im sorry she got ripped off. Nobody deserves that

[@PhntmStudios]

its fucked up that the world will never let you prosper on your own ideas and craft without them stolen. RIP Ms. martha.

[@EatShiteAholes]

+LXRYLXRYTV FUCK money. She didn't care about that shit. She was happy doing what she was doing. What else is there??????

[@iknowmewhoareyou2615]

+vomittie I was thinking the same thing. I now see the need for patents. patents, patents!

[@NatalieNightwolf]

Wow what a jerk for stealing Martha's idea. Horrible person but they won in the end, like he says, they had a good life. The man who stole her idea has money, but is probably a miserable, lonely, liar.

[@karlaarana6999]

very true, im glad martha wasn't concerned for money

[@JaymeSplendid]

Natalie Nightwolf welcome to AMERICAN capitalism 101...smh....

[@jorchindattorch8340]

Natalie Nightwolf That's what I'm thinking. If he has it in him to enjoy that dirty money guilt-free after all the steaming lies he put out there, I can only pity him for his emptiness and lack of humanity.

[@badideabearcub2747]

Incubus Grey But at least they bought the rights to make her in the US. Although for years the company had an official story that the face of the doll was inspired by the wife of the founder of Mattel, which wasn't the truth because she had the same identical face that the original German version had.

[@watchinvidzwatchinvidz7691]

Karma bites hard.

[@aarmauforever7811]

that man should have been arrested

[@anneshields2010]

Yeah that’s copyright I bet if someone did that to him he’d be quick enough to sue

[@chinchillahats4907]

Anne Shields he did. He put a $30 million lawsuit on the makers of Garbage Pail Kids trading cards. So the makers had to alter their appearance. This man is a criminal for sure.

[@funtimetv897]

The scientific term for that is plagiarism

[@legioxciicorvus5917]

Is that a literary term?

[@jackymussared4528]

😂

[@nuthinmuffins5073]

I wish I'd known about this before now, because I never liked Cabbage Patch dolls, and now my perspective on them has been changed entirely. Now, every time I see one, I will remember this story and, in just a doll, see: this beautiful woman's artistic expression of love and warmth, the way one greedy man took advantage of her unique creation, her commitment to the integrity of her creation, the sincerity of those who loved her and admired her soft sculptures, how wonderful it must've been to be a child and receive one of her dolls... There's a whole story I will now recall whenever the dolls are referenced. I'm choosing to see this as an example of the karma ultimately received whenever someone like him chooses such a course of action. He may have made millions and got credit for the dolls, but history will give credit where it is due, and, whereas he's had to live with the guilt of having built a fortune on a lie and theft of someone else's talent, she undoubtedly lived a happier life because it was free of an underlying deceit and full of simple joys. There are some things money can't buy, and those things are the source of real happiness. I'm glad someone went to the effort of sharing this story, and I'm glad I happened to watch it.

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

Beautifully put. Heartfelt best wishes to you.

[@carlikate65]

I love learning stuff like this. I also love humble people. may Martha Rest In Peace 💕

[@clittle10301]

This is sad! But, its also very inspiring! She kept creating and enjoying her creations regardless of who got the credit. She was an amazing person. I also enjoy making dolls and giving to others. I've had a hard go at life. But, I hope I can be more like her and continue doing good and serving the Lord for those around me.

[@Rachctor]

Rest in peace, Martha. So sad.

[@BushidoBrown76]

But then this dude probably got all pissed when the Garbage Pail kids came. Irony. No more of that "Hey that's just how life life works"

[@SnotRockets55]

+jay hamilton AGREED

[@kevin.710]

Although she passed I wanted to say I hope Martha knows I personally appreciate what she was trying to do. I love my cabbies like my own children but knowing the idea was stolen hurts my heart. Thank you for this beautiful thought, know that although it wasn’t what she wanted her idea is greatly appreciated and loved. ❤

[@user-qo4nu9ze8d]

Martha surely was a lovely and humble person, her baby dolls were clearly a representation of this; having that sweet home made and indeed quirky style. Bless you martha you beautiful human.

[@angelunawares316]

The REAL Mr. and Mrs. Claus! God bless them. Xavier Roberts is a sad excuse for a man.

[@chriswieman]

A sad and interesting story; kudos to Vice for telling it.

[@erikaavila8597]

I have utter admiration for Martha. It's a shame bad things happen to good people. This Xavier guy on the other hand really boils my blood.

[@angelicaart8069]

Martha’s work was amazing major props on you guys fighting against the theft. The way she was passionate about her work is something I admire about her. My mother has a cabbage patch doll from the 80’s and now we are shocked that this occurred to a very talented artist.

[@bundleofdaisies7523]

14:22 goddamn... i'm chocking up. That's real love man... I really might cry

[@zoeykillah]

why am I barely hearing about this? This is not ok :(

[@indoororchidsandtropicals358]

Wow, I now feel like kind of a jerk for having cp dolls as a kid. That said, playing with my cousin and our cabbage patch kids are some of my fondest childhood memories and while our dolls were a stolen idea, I feel gratitude to MARTHA because she contributed to all those memories I wouldn't otherwise have.

[@tantanjafin]

This needs to spread worldwide. This controversy isn't even on Wikipedia

[@sjrhollywood1347]

Yes, it IS! From Wikipedia: Though Xavier Roberts is the creator of the Cabbage Patch Kids brand, many of the brand's defining characteristics, such as the dolls' overly round faces and that they came with an adoption certificate, can be traced back to Martha Nelson Thomas, an American folk artist from Kentucky. Before Roberts ever became involved in the toy industry, Thomas created and marketed her own line of dolls, called Doll Babies, which she sold at local arts and craft shows and markets. The two crossed paths at a state fair in 1976 and Roberts began purchasing her dolls to sell at a profit at his own store in Georgia. Thomas eventually confronted Roberts about his unethical business practices and ceased to sell additional dolls to him, prompting him to turn to a manufacturing company in Hong Kong to mass produce dolls similar in appearance to Thomas' at a cheaper cost to him. Thomas brought suit against Roberts and eventually settled with him out of court for an undisclosed amount in 1985. She and her husband, Tucker Thomas, told the press that she was more upset by the corruption of her dolls, for which she cared deeply, than the money she'd lost as the result of Roberts' actions. Thomas died in 2013, at the age of 62, with her most favorite dolls attending her funeral alongside her family members and friends.

[@williamdixon7401]

I really enjoyed watching this. Thanks again Vice. Rest In Peace Martha.

[@insignificant6088]

I really enjoy learning these kinds of stories... Even though it's years later it's important to know and acknowledge the truth

[@MiladySteph]

When he cried, I got a lump in my throat and really teared up. He reminds me of some of the nicest customers and people I knew from working at my dads vacuum and sewing machine shop. I think people like them are so warm, and loving. I wish I knew them personally. What a sad story for poor Martha. Nice people are seen as weak sometimes, and get taken advantage of because of it. I had to learn over time to try to stand up for myself. But even now, whenever I'm in a confrontation, I feel panicky, and usually just say sorry. Weather I was wrong or no. I thought it was quite ironic, and satisfying to see that thief sitting there, maintaining he was the creator, and that SOMEONE ELSE stole HIS idea! What a laugh.

[@2HootHoot]

This reminds me of that time when the native americans lost their land because they didnt have proof they owned the land.

[@GlennaShaw]

My grandma from West Virginia made dolls like these back in the early 60s.

[@denaturner8871]

GlennaShaw many did... even before then too... I'm out here in the comments typing furiously trying to educate people about this!

[@QuackersJackers]

My mother was just like her. She could make anything and never even knew she was an artist!! She just wanted to make people happy and enjoy herself just like Martha. I hope they meet each other and all the other lovely artists at a big craft table in the sky!

[@hankelly552]

What a beautiful couple, poor lady but she obviously lived a wonderful happy life. Inspirational!

[@justinluc2572]

This had me HEATED

[@westindian10]

me too

[@GeorgiaGeorgette]

And me.

[@amandamore3818]

right!!!!

[@mariahlongest7465]

Justin Luc seriously!

[@hoijink.9252]

Ikrr

[@keishbaker1942]

This was tragic yet beautiful. She seemed like such an amazing person..obviously very loved.

[@JessyBee1313]

I've seen other soft-sculptured dolls growing up in the 80s...some were made by seamstresses, some were quite possibly Martha's own design. I often thought that maybe they were knock-offs of CPK. I'd even met "Dr. Roberts" at the 25th celebration. No one else even knew who he was. Hearing this....my heart breaks for this family. CPKs were dolls that my sister and I LOVED. Not ever going to forget those sweet memories, but now...I just...yeah. I don't think I could ever look at another one. Martha's babies have so much more character about them. I hope those that adopted her babies still own and love them...and this is why copywriting is SO IMPORTANT!!!

[@brigland3726]

Who doesn't love this man when he tears up at the end talking about his wife.... Tears in MY eyes too. God bless these sweet people. Karmas a Bitch and Xavier Roberts is paying a hefty price I'm sure!! I had one of these Cabbage Trash dolls as a child. Wow... Had no idea.

[@tuesdaypatience]

I would have loved to be able to tell Martha that a sweet lady who worked at the nursing home where my grandma worked for forty years created hand-made dolls that had that sweet unique feel of Martha’s babies. I still have mine...she has such an adorable personality. Those babies - sold at the nursing home craft sale to raise money to donate - would have made Martha smile.

[@emwhyay182]

When her husband started crying 💔 What amazing people. RIP Martha!

[@Boobalopbop]

I almost wish I hadn't seen this. I adore cabbage patch kids. I used to collect them as a child. I'd get a new one every birthday and Christmas. I remember Xavier Roberts signature on their butts. I hate that I supported such an asshole.

[@daboz8753]

+Potwheelz She didn't want the idea cheapened, which it was... It was turned into a Christmas toy craze with people beating the shit out of one another to get one. She wanted to share the idea and the doll with as many people as possible but didn't want people to have to pay an arm and a leg for them...which Xavier Robber...I mean Roberts did.

[@arianababyalives8721]

i cant believe he copied the design

[@hungbulldaddy]

I thought I had something special in two brand new cabbage patch kids unopened in my garage but now I think they are worthless because of that douchebag fraud ! They are truly Garbage Patch Kids.

[@livingdeaddollsjunky9543]

+HUNG BULLDADDY more like garbage pall kids hehe i collected garbage pall kids cards so that the joke

[@solihtary7869]

+cindybin2001 dude cmon,stop being a fucking goody two shoes because they can say what they want.Yes,I know that some people don't like having other people curse,but it's their life,and they can do whatever they fucking want.Yeah yeah manners and all that shit,but who the fuck cares?!?!No one will ever stop cursing,and you don't have to live your whole life with manners and respect.You have to live freely sometimes.I mean,I respect that you want us to stop cursing,but please,people who do that are obnoxious because they spam that shit.And I had to get that off my chest.Phew.Im not hating or anything,but someone has to say the truth.

[@madisonstephens5945]

A pew for the dolls was such a beautiful idea

[@sammee1977]

Wow. I had no idea. Good job Vice. I remember when Cabbage Patch Dolls hit the market when I was a kid. My little sister wanted one so bad. My mom went to four different stores before she finally found an African-American CPD for my sister. She took it to Show n' Tell with her every week :-) I never got into them but if I could I would proudly own an original doll baby by Martha because I appreciate the talent, love, and work that go into true pieces of art.

[@ants5845]

Oh Martha, you made so many children and families and those little angels so very happy and blessed! May you rest in peace Martha

[@matrixiekitty2127]

That’s just tragic! That interview of the cabbage patch man was infuriating! How dare he steal away Martha’s idea!

[@StandAsYouAre]

Martha. You were and still are an awesome lady :) I didn't know about your story before this video. But now I do know it has touched my heart.

[@Shusha0029]

That pew with the dolls 😔😔 Her husband saying she loved giving gifts made from her hands is perfect example of what a great woman she was.

[@amieakalove]

Far as I see it is that Martha made my childhood happy.. it may have had that dudes name on it but all of us little girls would have never been so happy to have that kind of doll in our arms if it wasn't for Martha. So she got to let us experience the joy she got out of the dolls without having to spend millions to do so or deal with the headache of all the celebrity that people think is what's important in life. So I say thank you to Martha for letting the little girl me be so happy to fall asleep with my little baby doll which I for now on call my doll bc I know the proper name and who really brought them into the world. P.s. Martha was very lucky to have you as her husband. I can see you love her. God bless you. I'm sorry she was taken from you so soon and I wish for nothing but the best.

[@adrienneberkshire3522]

Such a kind sweet woman. I am glad to know her story. I am a child of the 80s and never wanted a cabbage patch doll. But Martha’s doll babies are charming.