Toy manufacturer Mattel is facing a major public relations headache after a surprising error involving its dolls based on the Broadway musical Wicked. The company has been selling action figures of the two central witches, Elphaba and Glinda, but a serious mistake with the product packaging has led to a big problem for both parents and the toy giant itself.
The issue stems from a URL printed on the back of the dolls’ boxes. The URL listed is “www.wicked.com”—but instead of leading to an official website related to the Wicked franchise, the link directs users to a pornographic site. This confusion has caused an uproar among parents, many of whom were shocked to discover that the website on the dolls’ packaging is not the one they expected.
Mattel mistakenly printed a porn site on the packaging of its 'Wicked' dolls.
— Pop Spectator (@PopSpectator) November 10, 2024
The movie's intended web address was "https://t.co/Q2A56WOHul," but the packaging only had the word "wicked." pic.twitter.com/P8pDOh5Au2
In reality, the correct website for Mattel’s Wicked toy line is “www.wickedmovie.com,” which ties into the movie adaptation of the musical. Unfortunately, due to a printing error, the URL on the dolls’ packaging mistakenly directs to a very different site—one that is far from family-friendly. As a result, the toys have caused frustration and embarrassment for many parents who inadvertently stumbled upon the inappropriate content while looking up more information about the dolls.
The error has sparked outrage, but much of the concern has been less about children encountering the explicit site directly and more about the awkward situations it may create for parents. The mistake affects primarily the dolls sold in the United States, and many parents have expressed their frustration online. In light of the issue, Mattel has issued a statement, acknowledging the mistake and advising concerned buyers to either discard the packaging or cover the offending link with a marker to prevent any further mishaps.
According to TMZ, a spokesperson for Mattel confirmed that they are aware of the misprint and are taking immediate steps to correct the issue for future product releases. They assured the public that the error was an isolated incident and emphasized that the company takes these kinds of mistakes very seriously. They also provided a customer service contact for any parents who may have questions or need assistance.
The incident has led many to question how such a mistake could happen, given that the toys are aimed at children. The inclusion of a URL in the first place is somewhat unusual for action figures, and the fact that it links to a completely unrelated—and inappropriate—website has raised concerns about quality control at Mattel.
As a result of the controversy, Mattel has encouraged parents to take quick action if they haven’t already, advising them to “sharpie out” the URL on the packaging to avoid any uncomfortable situations. Although the company has expressed regret for the error, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of careful oversight in the production of children’s products.
While the problem may have been embarrassing for Mattel, it appears to be something the company is working swiftly to resolve, with future doll releases expected to carry the correct web address. Parents, however, are left to navigate the awkward aftermath—ensuring their children don’t stumble upon the wrong kind of website when searching for more information about their new toys.
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