Current:Home > InvestRekubit Exchange:'Unfortunate error': 'Wicked' dolls with porn site on packaging pulled from Target, Amazon -Quantum Capital Pro
Rekubit Exchange:'Unfortunate error': 'Wicked' dolls with porn site on packaging pulled from Target, Amazon
Rekubit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-09 09:40:08
Mattel's packaging for its latest dolls came with a wicked mistake.
The Rekubit Exchangelink printed on the back of the toy's box led to a pornographic website, prompting dolls all over the country to be pulled from shelves. Meanwhile, some dolls with the labeling error are being resold online for over $100.
"Wicked," a movie starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is the cinematic version of the Broadway musical with the same name and is getting ready to premiere in theaters nationwide on Nov. 22.
In preparation for its debut, stores are stocking their shelves with merch based on the film, from Rice Krispies Treats to hand lotions and candles. It will be impossible to miss the film's iconic duo, Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) when entering a Target.
But, Wicked displays and shelves were empty without the now infamous Barbie-like dolls.
Mattel released 11-inch "Fashion Dolls" based on the movie's main characters, which were packaged in boxes with the problematic error. No issues with the dolls themselves have been reported.
"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," Mattel said in a statement that was emailed to USA TODAY.
None of the other toys based on the film have reported packaging errors.
What to do if you have a Barbie package with the misprint
The company advised people who purchased the doll with the misprint on the packaging to either throw away the product packaging or obscure the link.
"We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this," the company stated. "Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children."
Dolls with error sell for hundred of dollars online
Some dolls with the misprint on the packaging have sold for more than $100 on eBay.
One "Singing Glinda" doll sold for $450 on the shopping site.
What was the mistake?
The back of the Barbie's box should've directed people to visit "www.wickedmovie.com," the movie's official website.
A misprinted URL instead directed consumers to an adult film site. Anyone who entered the website listed on the Barbie packaging would be taken to a page that asked them to confirm they were of legal age to view its content.
Where were the dolls sold?
The dolls were available at Target and on Amazon, according to Mattel.
They can no longer be found on either of the stores' websites as of Monday morning. Targets nationwide have also pulled the dolls from shelves.
USA TODAY found one of the dolls on the grocery delivery app, Instacart, and attempted to order it. However, the doll was removed from the virtual cart at checkout.
What is 'Wicked'?
"Wicked" is a Broadway musical based on the book "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire.
Both the book and musical are about the life of the Wicked Witch, from the cinematic classic "The Wizard of Oz" starring Judy Garland, and the novel that inspired it, which was authored by L. Frank Baum and had the same title.
The musical explores the Elphaba's friendship with Glinda, the "Good Witch," who gave Dorothy her iconic Ruby Red Slippers (which are silver, not ruby, in the Wicked movie and Broadway production) and instructed her to "follow the Yellow Brick Road" in "The Wizard of Oz."
The musical, which has two acts, was broken into two movies. The second of which will premiere on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
veryGood! (91)
Related
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Man gets a life sentence in the shotgun death of a New Mexico police officer
- Darren Criss on why playing a robot in 'Maybe Happy Ending' makes him want to cry
- Bull doge! Dogecoin soars as Trump announces a government efficiency group nicknamed DOGE
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Incredible animal moments: Watch farmer miraculously revive ailing chick, doctor saves shelter dogs
- The Office's Kate Flannery Defends John Krasinski's Sexiest Man Alive Win
- Amazon launches an online discount storefront to better compete with Shein and Temu
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- The Daily Money: Inflation is still a thing
Ranking
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- 1 million migrants in the US rely on temporary protections that Trump could target
- Amazon Black Friday 2024 sales event will start Nov. 21: See some of the deals
- Best fits for Corbin Burnes: 6 teams that could match up with Cy Young winner
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Amazon Best Books of 2024 revealed: Top 10 span genres but all 'make you feel deeply'
- Amazon launches an online discount storefront to better compete with Shein and Temu
- John Krasinski is People's Sexiest Man Alive. What that says about us.
Recommendation
Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
Homes of Chiefs’ quarterback Mahomes and tight end Kelce were broken into last month
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says next year will be his last in office; mum on his plans afterward
California researchers discover mysterious, gelatinous new sea slug
2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
Crews battle 'rapid spread' conditions against Jennings Creek fire in Northeast
Caitlin Clark's gold Nike golf shoes turn heads at The Annika LPGA pro-am
Justine Bateman feels like she can breathe again in 'new era' after Trump win