Mattel Expresses “Deep Regret” Over Adult Website Address on Wicked Doll Packaging

Toy maker Mattel has expressed “deep regret” regarding an error on the packaging of dolls based on the upcoming Wicked film, which displayed the URL of an adult website. The firm recently launched these singing dolls in anticipation of the highly anticipated movie, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. However, observant fans shared pictures on social media revealing that the packaging included a pornography website’s address rather than the film’s official web address. Through a statement, Mattel issued an apology for the “unfortunate error” and cautioned parents that the incorrect website “is not appropriate for children.” The BBC observed online instructions on Mattel’s official website for both the Glinda and Elphaba dolls, which displayed the incorrect website address beneath the Universal Pictures logo, the studio producing the film. Mattel suggests these dolls for children aged four years and older. Consumers who purchased the dolls expressed their astonishment on social media platforms. “I purchased the Singing Elphaba doll and upon inspection, the website printed on the back side [of the] Mattel box, right above the barcode is listed as… an unaffiliated adult [not safe for work] 18+ website,” one individual shared on Reddit. “Anyone else seeing this!?” In a separate social media update, a woman residing in the US stated: “Went to Target and Walmart today and yeah, the Wicked dolls have the [porn] website listed.” Mattel indicated that the dolls were predominantly distributed in the United States. The company further stated: “We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this.” “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.” The film adaptation of Wicked follows two decades of the stage musical. The movie, set in the Land of Oz prior to Dorothy Gales’ arrival from Kansas, encompasses the first act of the musical. British actress Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba, a young woman who is misunderstood due to her green complexion and is on the verge of discovering her powers, which will ultimately transform her into the Wicked Witch of the West. She forms an improbable bond with her classmate Glinda, played by Grammy-winning artist Ariana Grande, who is destined to become the Good Witch of the North. The film is scheduled for release in the US and UK on November 22. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.