Mattel’s highly anticipated ‘Wicked’ doll collection has been pulled from shelves after fans spotted an X-rated error on the packaging.
A link at the bottom of the box directed customers to a pornographic site, Wicked.com, instead of the movie’s home page, Wickedmovie.com.
The dolls, which were sold in major markets including the United States and Australia, were immediately pulled from shelves.
This includes at Kmart Australia, where the dolls were sold for $49, although it’s unconfirmed if the Australian product had the same awkward misprint.
They are also not available online, not even on Mattel’s website.
‘Wicked Fashion Dolls, collection not available – we will be back soon. This product collection is temporarily unavailable. We appreciate your patience,’ said one message.
A Mattel spokesperson immediately issued a statement.
‘We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate steps to remedy it. “Parents are warned that the incorrect and misprinted website is not appropriate for children,” it said.
Mattel’s highly anticipated ‘Wicked’ doll collection has been pulled from shelves after fans spotted an X-rated error on the packaging.
The link directs customers to a porn site, not the movie page.
“Consumers who already own the product are advised to discard the product packaging or hide the link and may contact Mattel customer service for more information.”
A US fan was the first to notice the adults-only link on the packaging.
They made a post on X that quickly went viral, attracting over 25 million views in just 48 hours.
People were quick to call for a recall and criticize Mattel for corrupting children with that mistake.
‘Whoever did this should be fired immediately. Why would they do that knowing that it is mainly children who buy the dolls?’ said one.
“This could be the biggest failure in the history of film products, especially considering they are intended for children.”
The post was also shared on Facebook, although people seemed to find humor in the mistake there.
“These toys have become much more popular in a certain market,” one woman laughed.
The dolls have been removed from the shelves of physical and online stores.
“Oh, I need to buy ten; they’ll be collectors’ items,” said another.
“I’m impressed that people actually read the box,” said another.
Some people couldn’t help but point out the efforts of other toy makers.
“Lego didn’t make the same mistake,” one woman said.
“Betty Crocker also confirmed that she is safe,” said another.
The dolls ‘sing’ and have ‘removable accessories’ and look like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande: Elphaba and Glinda.
Mattel is a major toy manufacturer and the parent company of popular brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, and Thomas and Friends.
