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Mattel Faces Backlash Over Inappropriate URL on ‘Wicked’ Dolls
Mattel is confronting a significant issue after inadvertently including a link to an adult website on the packaging of its Elphaba and Glinda dolls, which are inspired by the popular movie derived from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” This error has sparked considerable outrage among parents, as it poses potential risks for children who might come across the inappropriate content.
The dolls, intended to appeal to fans of the musical, notably feature the iconic witches, but a key aspect of the packaging has drawn attention for all the wrong reasons. Instead of directing consumers to the correct website associated with the film, Mattel’s toys displayed the URL “www.wicked.com,” which led to an adult site rather than the family’s intended destination.
The official website intended for the dolls is “www.wickedmovie.com.” This misstep could easily mislead those who purchased the dolls, especially children intrigued by the characters.
Parental frustration grew as many inadvertently navigated to the inappropriate site—often with alarming reactions—raising concerns over child safety and exposure to unsuitable material. A representative from Mattel confirmed to media outlets that they are aware of the misprint, predominantly affecting products sold in the United States. The company has expressed deep regret and is implementing measures to prevent similar errors in the future.
In response to the incident, Mattel is advising parents to either dispose of the doll packaging or to cover the misprinted link to avoid any awkward scenarios. They emphasized the importance of vigilance and communication in helping parents navigate these types of situations.
The unfortunate situation serves as a reminder of how crucial it is for toy companies to ensure accuracy in their packaging, especially when dealing with products aimed at children. As the backlash unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how Mattel manages this crisis and what steps they will take moving forward.
Source
www.tmz.com