Misprint on packaging for Bad Character dolls made by Mattel led consumers to visit an adult website rather than the movie's website, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Mattel apologized for the mistake on Sunday (November 10).
The web address listed on the doll boxes in question is wicked.com, instead of Universal Pictures' wickedmovie.com, it says THR. When you go to wicked.com, a message appears that requires users to be 18 or older. Those who click “enter” are taken to an adult site promoting a pornographic film titled Kenzie Loves Girls 2 from a venture called “Wicked Pictures”.
THE Bad Dolls sold with the inappropriate website printed on their packaging include Glinda (played by Ariana Grande in the upcoming film) and Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo).
Mattel released the following statement: “Mattel has been made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked Collection dolls, sold primarily in the US, which was intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page. We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate steps to correct it. Parents are advised that the misprinted website is not suitable for children. Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or hide the link and may contact Mattel Customer Service for more information.”
From Sunday afternoon, Bulletin board confirmed that the dolls are no longer available at major online retailers, including Target and Amazon.
The issue comes less than two weeks ago Baddirector Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the hit Broadway musical opens in theaters on November 22. The leading research company NRG Bad on track for an $85 million opening — which would be one of the biggest starts we've seen at the box office for a musical, THR exhibitions.
