Mattel Inc. (MAT.O) is facing a class-action lawsuit following a significant error in the packaging of their “Wicked” dolls, which allegedly linked consumers to a pornographic website. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in federal court in Los Angeles, accuses the toy giant of negligence and consumer protection violations after a South Carolina mother discovered the link while purchasing a doll for her daughter.
Holly Ricketson, the plaintiff, claims that her young daughter accessed explicit content through a hyperlink printed on the “Wicked” doll packaging. The error led to both Ricketson and her daughter experiencing emotional distress after the child came across “hardcore photographs” on the site. The lawsuit argues that had Ricketson been aware of the error, she would never have purchased the doll in the first place.
Mattel issued a statement confirming that it had recalled the affected dolls on November 11 and resumed sales of corrected versions. However, the company has yet to offer refunds to those who bought the dolls with the inappropriate link. The toys, recommended for children aged 4 and up, were originally intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com website, but the link mistakenly redirected to a similarly named adult entertainment site instead.
The lawsuit seeks at least $5 million in damages on behalf of anyone who purchased the dolls with the incorrect link. Ricketson is accusing Mattel of negligence, selling products unfit for their intended use, and violating California consumer protection laws.
The error is a serious one for Mattel, which is known for iconic products like Barbie and Hot Wheels. With “Wicked,” a major Hollywood film from Universal Pictures starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, grossing over $263 million in the U.S. alone, the mishap has attracted significant attention. Despite this, Mattel has refrained from commenting further on the legal proceedings but has expressed regret for the mistake and its impact.
In a case that underscores the potential consequences of product packaging errors, Mattel now faces a class-action lawsuit that could set a significant precedent in consumer protection law. The lawsuit highlights the intersection of toy safety, corporate responsibility, and digital errors, raising important questions for the toy industry as it navigates an increasingly digital age.
This case serves as a cautionary tale for other companies in the toy manufacturing industry, especially those in partnership with major film franchises. With children as the primary audience, ensuring the safety and appropriateness of online links on packaging could become a key legal consideration moving forward.
Filed under case number 24-10389 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the lawsuit accuses Mattel of negligence, arguing that the toy was sold with a dangerous and inappropriate link that could potentially harm children. The case also raises broader concerns about consumer protection laws and the digital oversight responsibilities of toy makers.
Mattel has not yet issued any refunds for affected consumers, despite the recall. The company’s efforts to correct the issue by resuming sales of dolls with the correct link have not been sufficient to alleviate the emotional distress and potential harm caused by the original mistake.
As the case progresses, industry observers are paying close attention to how the court will rule on these significant consumer protection issues, and whether Mattel will be held accountable for the damage caused by this serious packaging oversight.
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