Mattel faces major backlash over a misprint on its latest doll packaging.
- The error redirects users to a pornographic site instead of the intended movie page.
- Parents express concern over the accidental exposure to inappropriate content.
- Retailers, including Target and Walmart, have pulled the dolls from their shelves.
- The mishap has led to the dolls appearing on resale sites at inflated prices.
In an unexpected turn of events, Mattel, a well-known toy manufacturer, has encountered significant criticism due to an unintentional blunder involving its latest line of dolls. The dolls, themed around the upcoming movie adaptation of the Wizard of Oz spinoff, Wicked, featured a misprinted web address. This oversight resulted in consumers being directed to a pornographic website rather than the intended promotional site for the film.
The misprint on the packaging read ‘wicked.com’ instead of the correct ‘wickedmovie.com’. This error led to users visiting a site associated with adult content rather than the film’s promotion. Notably, the incorrect domain has been in use by a pornographic production company for over 25 years, making the mistake a glaring oversight by Mattel.
The company promptly issued an apology, acknowledging the error and advising parents that the incorrect website is unsuitable for children. Mattel urged consumers to either discard the packaging or obscure the incorrect link. They also encouraged concerned customers to reach out to their customer service for further guidance. The action suggested Mattel’s firm stance on addressing the issue quickly to mitigate any potential harm.
As a result of the misprint, major retail partners such as Target, Walmart, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Best Buy, DSW, and Amazon have ceased sales of the affected dolls. This comprehensive withdrawal from store shelves aims to prevent further consumer confusion and maintain brand integrity during the holiday season. Additionally, the dolls with the faulty web address have begun appearing on eBay, with prices skyrocketing up to $800, compared to the original retail price of $24.99 to $39.99.
Among the dolls pulled were characters modeled after celebrities Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, portraying Glinda and Elphaba respectively. The incident underscores the importance of thorough quality control procedures in product marketing, particularly when targeting a demographic that includes young children.
Mattel’s swift response to the misprint aims to prevent further issues and restore consumer trust.
