Mattel faces backlash after x-rated typo forces doll recall

In the United States, a South Carolina mother, Holly Ricketson, filed a class action lawsuit against Mattel after discovering that the packaging of their new Wicked dolls contained a link to a pornographic website, Wicked.com, instead of the intended WickedMovie.com. This incident came to light after Ricketson's daughter accessed the incorrect site, resulting in both of them being exposed to graphic adult content that included hardcore pornographic images. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, claims emotional distress and negligence on Mattel's part and is seeking at least $5 million in damages for affected consumers. The misprint was noted in packaging primarily sold in the U.S., intended for children aged four and up. Following the discovery of the misprint, Mattel sent out a recall and issued an apology stating that they deeply regretted the unfortunate error. The company advised consumers to discard the misprinted packaging. However, Ricketson contended that Mattel did not adequately address the issue, as no refunds were being offered despite the recall. The lawsuit argues that the toys were marketed towards an age-appropriate audience and were rendered unfit for sale once they were discovered to include an inappropriate link. This mistake garnered significant media attention and raised concerns among parents regarding children's exposure to unsuitable content linked from toy packaging. Mattel’s response pointed out that the misprint had not affected the value or play experience of the dolls themselves. Nonetheless, the incident has caused emotional distress for Ricketson and her daughter, who claimed they were horrified by what they encountered online. The lawsuit seeks not only financial restitution but also accountability for negligence in product marketing and safety. Despite the incident, Mattel claims sales of Wicked dolls with corrected packaging have resumed. The company emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety and appropriateness of their products for children. They expressed gratitude for consumer understanding during the resolution process of the issue. The controversy surrounding the misprint has sparked discussions about corporate responsibility in ensuring product safety and the potential impacts of such errors on both consumer trust and children's wellbeing.