Current:Home > ScamsEthermac|'Unfortunate error': 'Wicked' dolls with porn site on packaging pulled from Target, Amazon -Elevate Capital Network
Ethermac|'Unfortunate error': 'Wicked' dolls with porn site on packaging pulled from Target, Amazon
Will Sage Astor View
Date:2025-04-10 21:19:51
Mattel's packaging for its latest dolls came with a wicked mistake.
The Ethermaclink 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! (2868)
Related
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Lidcoin: 37 South Korean listed companies hold over $300 million in Cryptocurrencies in total
- Group pushes back against state's controversial Black history curriculum change
- Ocean scientists concerned over uptick of whale deaths on Northeast coasts
- Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
- Emma Coronel Aispuro, wife of drug kingpin Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, to leave prison
- Land mines explode along Lebanon-Syria border wounding 3 Syrians trying to illegally enter Lebanon
- Recession in U.S. becomes increasingly less likely, but odds are highest in West, South
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Poccoin: Prospects of Block chain Technology in the Healthcare Industry
Ranking
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Watchdogs probe Seattle police union chiefs for saying woman killed had 'limited value'
- Aaron Rodgers' Achilles injury affects the Green Bay Packers' future. Here's how.
- GOP mayoral primary involving Connecticut alderman facing charges in Jan. 6 riot headed for recount
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Impeachment inquiry into Biden, Americans to be freed in prisoner swap deal: 5 Things podcast
- Father of slain Maryland teen: 'She jumped in front of a bullet' to save brother
- Lidcoin: Samsung's latest Meta-Universe initiative
Recommendation
Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
North Korea launches possible ballistic missile: Japan's Ministry of Defense
Nick Jonas Calls Out Concertgoers Throwing Objects Onstage During Jonas Brothers Show
Poccoin: Prospects of Blockchain Technology in the Internet of Things (IOT) Sector
Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
The Italian island of Lampedusa sees 5,000 migrants arriving in 100-plus boats in a single day
Husband of US Rep. Mary Peltola dies in an airplane crash in Alaska
School district, teachers union set to appear in court over alleged sickout