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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo star in Wicked which is due out this month
Toymaker Mattel said it “deeply regrets” a printing error on the packaging of dolls inspired by the new film Wicked which listed the address of an adult website.
The company recently released the singing dolls ahead of the long-awaited film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
But eagle-eyed fans posted images on social media showing the packaging contained a pornographic website, instead of the film's web address.
In a statement, Mattel apologized for the “unfortunate error” and informed parents that the poorly printed website “is not appropriate for children.”
The BBC saw online instructions on Mattel's website, for the Glinda and Elphaba dolls, listing the incorrect website under the Universal Pictures logo – the film studio behind the film.
Mattel recommends the dolls for children ages four and older.
Fans who bought the doll expressed their surprise on social media.
“I purchased the Singing Elphaba doll and upon inspection the website printed on the back (of the) Mattel box, just above the barcode, is listed as…an unaffiliated adult website (not safe for work) aged 18 and over,” said one of the users. person posted on Reddit.
“Anyone else see this!?”
In another post, a US-based woman said: “I went to Target and Walmart today and yes the Wicked dolls (porn) website is listed. »
Mattel
Mattel asked consumers to throw out the erroneous packaging
Mattel said the dolls were sold primarily in the United States.
It added: “We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate steps to remedy it.”
“Consumers who already own the product are advised to discard the product packaging or hide the link and can contact Mattel customer service for further information.”
The film Wicked arrives after two decades of musical comedy on stage.
Set in the Land of Oz before the arrival of Dorothy Gales from Kansas, the film covers the first act of the musical.
British actress Erivo plays Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin and who has yet to discover her power that will eventually lead her to become the Wicked Witch of the West.
She forms an unlikely friendship with classmate Glinda, played by Grammy-winning singer Grande, who becomes the Good Witch of the North.
The film is set to be released in the US and UK on November 22.
