Toy manufacturer Mattel has issued a public apology following a significant misprint on the packaging of their newly released Wicked singing dolls. The packaging mistakenly featured the web address of an adult website instead of the official site for the highly anticipated movie, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
The error came to light when observant fans shared images on social media, highlighting the inappropriate website listed under the Universal Pictures logo, which is responsible for the film’s distribution. Mattel quickly acknowledged the mistake, expressing regret over what they termed an “unfortunate error.”
In their statement, Mattel advised parents that the misprinted link is unsuitable for children and emphasized that they are taking corrective measures.
The company recommends these dolls for children aged four and older, raising concerns among parents about exposure to inappropriate content. Several users on platforms like Reddit voiced their astonishment after purchasing the dolls, with one individual noting the unexpected adult link positioned prominently above the barcode.
Feedback from consumers has been swift. Reports from shoppers in major retail chains like Target and Walmart confirmed that the Wicked dolls sold in stores carried this misprinted information.
In response to this issue, Mattel urged customers who have already purchased these items to either dispose of the packaging or obscure the erroneous link. The company also offered assistance through their customer service for those seeking further clarification.
Mattel’s oversight comes at a time when excitement is building around the Wicked film adaptation, which marks two decades since the musical first captivated audiences. The movie explores events in Oz before Dorothy’s arrival, focusing on Elphaba’s journey—a character portrayed by Erivo—who grapples with her identity and eventual transformation into the iconic Wicked Witch of the West.
As Mattel navigates this public relations hiccup, it underscores the importance of thorough quality checks in product packaging, especially when targeting young audiences. The company is now tasked with restoring consumer trust while ensuring such errors do not recur in future releases.
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