• by Tanya Gazdik , November 11, 2024

Apparently everyone needs a proofreader -- especially those who write copy for boxes containing kids' toys. 

“Instead of listing the website for Universal’s ‘Wicked’ movie, boxes featured a link to a pornographic website for a group called Wicked Pictures,” according to CNBC. “Target, Walmart and Amazon had removed the line of ‘Wicked' dolls from their online storefronts as of midday Monday, as had Best Buy, Barnes & Noble and Macy’s,”

Mattel says it “deeply regrets this unfortunate error" and “parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children. Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel Customer Service for further information.”

WickedMovie.com is the official landing page for the film that premiered Saturday in Los Angeles and is based on the successful stage musical. 

“Instead, it appeared to list a link to a website that featured “6,000 + scenes of wicked porn,” according to The Washington Post.  “On social media, many expressed shock over the blunder. 

This isn’t the first gaffe to involve a toy. 

“Earlier this year, Target — the main retail partner for the Wicked toy line — had to recall a Black History Month educational kit after a TikTok user pointed out its magnetic figures misidentified key historical figures Carter G. Woodson, W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. “And a 1998 issue of Wolverine comics accidentally published an antisemitic slur in place of the word 'killer'” Despite an attempt to recall and destroy all copies, many survived and are still available for sale online.”

Ebay has been flooded with offerings of the dolls with the incorrect URL.

“Listings touting the Mattel dolls’ ‘Porn MISPRINT!’ and ‘RARE URL PORN ERROR’ have been seeking $140 to $200 for the items, which retail for $25 to $40,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.