Mattel is under fire after a major packaging error led to the misprinting of a pornographic website on its “Wicked” kids’ doll merchandise. A South Carolina mother has filed a class action lawsuit, claiming her daughter was exposed to explicit adult content after being directed to the site “wicked.com,” which was printed on the packaging instead of the intended “wickedmovie.com.”
The mother described the discovery of “hardcore, full-on nude pornographic images” as “horrifying” for both herself and her daughter, who were shocked by the mistake. The lawsuit seeks at least $5 million in damages for those who purchased the misprinted dolls, which include fashion dolls, singing figurines, and deluxe collectible models.
Upon learning of the error, Mattel issued an apology and swiftly pulled the affected dolls from shelves across various retailers. The company confirmed that the incorrect website, “wicked.com,” was not suitable for children and urged parents to discard or obscure the link. “We deeply regret this unfortunate error,” Mattel said in a statement, adding that they are taking immediate steps to address the issue. The company reassured parents that the error was a result of a misprint and not intentional.
The “Wicked” dolls were part of a collection tied to the upcoming musical film adaptation, which is based on the popular Broadway show. The film, which features Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and is set to be released in two parts. The movie has garnered widespread attention, making the error in toy packaging all the more significant.
The lawsuit raises concerns over the potential harm caused by the exposure of young children to explicit material, as well as the responsibility companies have in ensuring their products are safe for their intended audiences. Mattel’s quick response to recall the toys and address the error, however, has done little to ease the concerns of parents like the plaintiff, who now seek compensation for the emotional distress caused.
As the lawsuit proceeds, the case highlights the importance of careful product oversight and the potential consequences of oversights in packaging and marketing. It also calls into question the extent of Mattel’s accountability for the unintentional exposure to adult content, raising discussions about corporate responsibility in the toy industry. The incident has led to widespread media coverage, shedding light on how a simple mistake could cause major repercussions for a global brand.
While Mattel works to resolve the situation, parents are left with a lingering sense of unease about the safety of children’s merchandise in the marketplace. This lawsuit may set a precedent for how toy companies handle similar errors in the future, as well as how they are held accountable for the products they release.