Mattel sued for Wicked dolls with porn website link
Mattel Faces Lawsuit Over Link to Pornographic Website on Doll Packaging
A South Carolina mother has filed a lawsuit against Mattel for mistakenly including a link to a pornographic website on packaging for dolls related to the movie “Wicked.” The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles as a proposed class action, alleges that the mother’s daughter accessed the adult entertainment website through the link provided by the toymaker.
Holly Ricketson, the plaintiff, stated that her daughter came across hardcore photographs on the website and both were left “horrified” by the experience, resulting in emotional distress. Ricketson claims that she would not have purchased the doll had she been aware of the mistake, and despite Mattel recalling the dolls on Nov. 11, they have not offered refunds.
Mattel, based in El Segundo, California, acknowledged the error and expressed regret for the incident. The company clarified that sales of “Wicked” dolls with corrected packaging have resumed both in stores and online. The intended link was meant to direct purchasers to the official WickedMovie.com website, not a site intended for adults.
The lawsuit seeks damages of at least US$5 million for individuals in the United States who purchased “Wicked” dolls with the erroneous link on the packaging. Allegations against Mattel include negligence, selling unfit products, and violating California consumer protection laws.
Other popular products from Mattel include Barbie and Hot Wheels. “Wicked,” a blockbuster movie from Universal Pictures starring Cynthia Arivo and Ariana Grande, has been a commercial success, grossing over US$263 million domestically and US$360 million worldwide since its release on Nov. 22.
