Mattel issues apology after it mistakenly lists adult site on 'Wicked' doll packaging
Mattel has apologized for a "wicked" mistake after they accidentally printed an incorrect web link that led to an adult website on the label of its special edition dolls.
Social media users have called out the toy company for listing a porn website on their doll boxes as part of the promotion of the upcoming Wicked movie.
Based on the photos from The New York Post's report and photos shared by consumers, Mattel printed wicked.com on the back part of Elphaba and Glinda’s box dolls, which directs to a page that requires users to be 18 years old or older to have access.
Hey @Mattel whoever is responsible for your marketing/packaging for the new official Wicked dolls have made a HUGE mistake!
The https://t.co/Q3R3WMAs7E on your packaging takes you to a porn site! pic.twitter.com/Y0L7JUd3wv— Martin Keeton-Harrison (@K_Y_L_I_E__1) November 10, 2024
The correct URL that was supposed to be printed to go to the film’s official website is wickedmovie.com.
Following the backlash, Mattel issued a statement apologizing for the error.
"Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the U.S., which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page. We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this,” the toy company said.
"Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children. 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,” they added.
Mattel’s Wicked doll collection features different versions of Glinda and Elphaba dolls, as well as dolls of other characters namely, Madame Morrible, Nessarose, and Fiyero.
The movie adaptation of the famous stage musical will tell the untold story of the witches of Oz. It centers on Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a young woman with unusual green skin who has yet to discover her true power, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), who is popular and gilded by privilege and ambition but has yet to discover her true heart.
After meeting as students in the fantastical Land of Oz, they unexpectedly form a close bond. However, their friendship gets tested after an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz himself, and their lives take very different paths.
Other cast members include Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince, Ethan Slater as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student, and Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The upcoming film is directed by Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu, and produced by Marc Platt and David Stone.
Wicked: Part One opens in cinemas on Nov. 20, while its second part is scheduled to arrive in theaters in 2025.
