Mattel Apologizes for Linking Adult Website on Wicked Doll Packaging

Mattel's Apology Over Misprinted Wicked Edition Dolls

In a surprising turn of events, Mattel, the producer behind the iconic Barbie dolls, has issued an apology after customers discovered that the packaging of its newly released Wicked edition dolls mistakenly directed them to an adult website. This mix-up has raised concerns among parents regarding the appropriateness of its merchandise.

The Mistake Explained

Instead of leading to the intended WickedMovie.com URL, the toy packaging erroneously linked to the homepage of Wicked Pictures, a pornographic film studio. Mattel responded swiftly, acknowledging the error and emphasizing that the incorrect link is not suitable for children.

Immediate Steps Taken by Mattel

In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Mattel expressed regret and stated, "We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this." The company has assured consumers that the misprint is being addressed, and impacted products are being pulled from retail shelves, including major outlets like Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon.

Advice for Consumers

Mattel has advised parents who purchased the Wicked dolls, which are aimed at children aged four and up, to discard the product packaging or obscure the incorrect link. The dolls retail for prices between $24.99 to $39.99.

Collectible Nature of the Error

Interestingly, some savvy buyers are taking advantage of the controversy; listings for the misprinted dolls have appeared on eBay, with prices skyrocketing to hundreds of dollars as collectors seek out this unexpected rarity.

About the Wicked Franchise

The Wicked edition dolls were released to coincide with Universal’s upcoming film adaptation of the beloved Tony Award-winning musical. Wicked serves as a prequel to the timeless story of The Wizard of Oz, presenting the tale from the viewpoints of the witches Elphaba and Galinda. Part one of the film is set to premiere in theaters on November 22nd, 2024, with a sequel already slated for November 2025.

Conclusion

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of quality control, especially when it comes to products designed for children. As Mattel navigates this challenging situation, customers are left both bemused and entertained by the unforeseen consequences of a marketing misstep.

Key Takeaways:

• Mattel apologized for funnelling customers to an inappropriate website through misprinted doll packaging.
• Immediate removal of impacted products from major retailers.
• Some collectors are capitalizing on the mistake, with listings on eBay reaching high prices.