WICKED DOLLS BOX MISPRINT CONTAINS LINK TO 18+ WEBSITE
(Gray News) – Mattel appears to have made a “Wicked” mistake with the release of new dolls inspired by the upcoming hit stage play-turned film.
Users on social media were the first to draw attention to a misprinting on the dolls’ packaging, a website link which was supposed to send customers to the movie’s official website, WickedMovie.com.
However, the website listed on the box is missing an important word, and typing the one posted on the package into Google will take you to something not safe for work.
Users will be directed to an adult website asking for their 18+ verification.
According to Deadline, the site is owned by independent adult film company Wicked Pictures. The company, founded in 1993, is where famous adult film star Jenna Jameson first got her start.
According to The Washington Post, the company was a minor focal point in the New York criminal case of Donald Trump, since it was the same company that sponsored a celebrity golf tournament where he met Stormy Daniels, who was there to promote the studio.
The typo appears to be on multiple characters’ boxes, including those of Elphaba and Fiyero.
Users online have posted images and videos detailing the error.
Mattel responded to the reports of the misprint, releasing a statement saying it plans to immediately address the mistake.
“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,” the statement said. “We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this.”
“Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children,” the statement continues. “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.”
The dolls have already been removed from sale at Target, one of the leading retail partners on the Universal movie.
The Mattel-produced line with the incorrect website address is in the process of being pulled from shelves at Walmart, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Best Buy, DSW, Amazon.com and other retailers, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Wicked” retells the classic story of “The Wizard of Oz” from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West, shedding light on the relationship of the Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, with Glinda the Good Witch, played by Ariana Grande.
After its Los Angeles premiere Saturday, the movie hits theaters Nov. 22.