Mattel apologizes for mistakenly printing porn website on Wicked toy doll packaging
Toy giant Mattel has issued a public apology for a packaging error on its Wicked movie-themed dolls that inadvertently directed consumers to a pornographic website. The mistake was brought to light on social media over the weekend, with many users sharing images of the URL printed on the back of the boxes.
Instead of linking to the official WickedMovie.com page from Universal Pictures, the website listed on the packaging led to an adult film site that required visitors to be over 18 years old. Mattel, in a statement to The Associated Press, expressed deep regret over the error and assured consumers that immediate action was being taken to rectify the situation.
While it was not confirmed whether unsold dolls with the incorrect link would be removed from stores, some online retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Mattel’s own website showed the Wicked dolls as either out of stock or unavailable on Monday morning. The company advised customers who already have the dolls to either dispose of the packaging or obscure the link and reach out to customer service for further assistance.
Earlier this year, Mattel unveiled its special Wicked collection, featuring characters from the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. A promotional post on Instagram in July showcased stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play Elphaba and Glinda in the upcoming film, reacting to the singing dolls from the Mattel line.
The movie adaptation of Wicked will be split into two parts, with the first chapter scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 22. The second part is slated for release in the fall of 2025, allowing fans to experience the magical world of Oz in a new and exciting way.
