Mattel faces backlash after a packaging error directed customers to a notorious adult website instead of the intended link for its new Wicked movie merchandise.
The mistake affected boxes of dolls inspired by characters from the upcoming Wizard of Oz prequel film, with the intended site “WickedMovie.com” misprinted as “wicked.com,” a known adult entertainment platform. This unexpected slip-up has left parents and critics concerned over the oversight’s impact on young consumers.
Following this blunder, Mattel issued a public apology, acknowledging the error and pledging swift corrective action, as reported by AV Club.
Someone just realized that these “Wicked” toys have a link to a porn site on the box and in the user manual.
This is no accident… Expose a bunch of children to porn then say ‘sorry,’ but it’s already too late. You can’t un-expose kids to this stuff… pic.twitter.com/914CD9XHnf
— Ethical Truther ️ (@EthicalTruther) November 10, 2024
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“Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the U.S., which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page. We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children. Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel Customer Service for further information.”
This mistake has turned into a major embarrassment for Mattel, a company that prides itself on child-friendly content and products. Parents are understandably frustrated, given the potential exposure of their children to inappropriate content.
Is @Mattel @Target @Walmart gonna do something about this!?
You put a PORN WEBSITE ON CHILDRENS TOYS. https://t.co/8M05wAMMBH
Are you freaking kidding me!?!!!? pic.twitter.com/wScrLdj5oH
— @Alert (@AlertFlip) November 10, 2024
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Mattel has urged anyone with affected products to either discard the packaging or cover the misprinted link and to contact their customer service for more guidance.
The company’s response comes amid concerns that this error may drive curious children to look up the unintended link. The incident has sparked debates online, with some pointing to a broader issue of quality control in the production process of children’s merchandise.
Others speculate that the misprint could ironically boost demand for these items, as they become a “collector’s edition” of sorts, with some buyers potentially holding onto them for their novelty value.
As social media reacts to this oversight, Mattel finds itself in a challenging position, needing to assure parents that they take children’s exposure to adult content seriously. The company’s response will likely be under close watch as this story develops.
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Well, they claim it was a misprint, but unless a vetted whistleblower steps up, we’ll never know. This is in direct opposition to Disney who has been sneaking adult themed single frames and images into their movies for decades.