Mattel faults print error for porn site listed on "Wicked" doll packaging
"Wicked" author Gregory Maguire gives stamp of approval to upcoming adaptation
Mattel's packaging for its "Wicked" movie doll lives up to its name, but not in a good way.
The toy manufacturer is apologizing after mistakenly including a web address for a pornographic site on the boxes holding the company's newly launched "Wicked" dolls, rather than the official website of the movie adaptation of the Tony award-winning musical.
According to social media users, the information on the doll's packaging leads to a website that requires people to be 18 years or older to enter. The company intended to direct people to a similarly worded URL promoting the two-part film starring singer Ariana Grande and actress Cynthia Erivo.
The "Wicked" doll is made for children 4 years and older.
Mattel, the maker of Barbie and Hot Wheels, did not immediately respond to a request from CBS News for comment.
However, the toy company told multiple news organizations that it was aware of a "misprint" on the box for the dolls, which were mostly sold in the United States. Based on the Broadway musical, "Wicked" tells a story leading up to "The Wizard of Oz." Part one of "Wicked" debuts in U.S. theaters on November 22. Its sequel is expected to be released a year later.
People who already bought one of the dolls are being urged to throw out the packaging or cover up the link, Mattel stated.
Kate Gibson
Kate Gibson is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch in New York, where she covers business and consumer finance.
