Mattel Issues Apology for Adult Site Link on Wicked Doll Packaging

Mattel Issues Apology Over Wicked Dolls' Packaging Error

In a surprising turn of events, Mattel, the renowned producer of Barbie dolls, has publicly apologized after customers discovered that its Wicked edition dolls contained a misprinted link on their packaging. Instead of the intended URL, WickedMovie.com, the packaging erroneously directed consumers to a pornographic website associated with Wicked Pictures.

Details of the Incident

According to a statement made by Mattel to The Hollywood Reporter, the company expressed its regret over the situation, asserting that "parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children." The error appears to be a result of a misprint on the packaging of the dolls.

The Wicked edition dolls were released to coincide with Universal Pictures’ upcoming film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical. While Mattel has clarified that these dolls are "primarily sold in the US," it remains unclear how many products featuring the incorrect link have already hit retail shelves.

Product Recall and Consumer Advisory

In response to the issue, numerous retailers, including Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon, have begun pulling the affected toys from their inventory. Mattel has advised customers who purchased the dolls, which range in price from $24.99 to $39.99, to either discard the packaging or obscure the incorrect link.

Robust Market Reaction

Interestingly, while many parents and guardians have expressed concern over the misprint, some opportunistic sellers are taking advantage of the situation. Listings for the misprinted dolls have surfaced on eBay, with prices skyrocketing into the hundreds of dollars.

The Story Behind Wicked

For context, Wicked serves as a prequel to the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz, narrating the story from the perspective of the witches Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Galinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande. The highly-anticipated first part of the Wicked film will hit theaters on November 22, 2024, with a sequel set to follow in November 2025.

Conclusion

This incident highlights the importance of quality control in product packaging, particularly when items are directed toward children. As Mattel takes steps to remedy the error, it’s a reminder for companies to prioritize accurate information to maintain consumer trust.

For more information, visit Mattel’s official website.