Mattel Facing Class Action Lawsuit Over Porn Site Misprint on Recalled ‘Wicked’ Doll Packaging

Mattel has been hit with a proposed class action lawsuit after its “Wicked” movie-themed dolls were pulled from shelves on November 11 because their packaging displayed the URL of a pornographic website.

The 22-page Mattel lawsuit says the packaging for the recalled 11-inch fashion dolls—which depict Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero from the newly released movie adaptation of “Wicked”—directed consumers to Wicked.com, the website for porn film studio Wicked Pictures.

The case was filed on December 3 by a South Carolina resident who says she bought a Wicked doll for her minor daughter. The plaintiff claims her daughter visited the website address printed on the back of the toy box and was “horrified” to see advertisements with “hardcore, full on nude pornographic images depicting actual intercourse.”

According to a statement from Mattel, the toy giant intended for product packaging to feature the official URL for Universal Picture film, WickedMovie.com. The company said it “deeply” regrets the “unfortunate error” and has since removed the items from Target, Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble and Macy’s, CNBC reports.

The class action lawsuit calls Mattel’s misprint “demonstrably avoidable,” claiming that the defendant was negligent in its labeling.

“[The plaintiff] and consumers did not know, and did not have a reason to know, that the products purchased would contain access to such an inappropriate web link given that product was advertised for ages 4 years and above,” the case contends. “Parents and consumers expect the products they purchase to coincide with the age appropriateness labeled on them.”

The class action suit looks to help customers recoup some of the money they spent on the Wicked dolls, which reportedly retailed for between $20 and $40. Per the case, Mattel’s recall does not offer refunds to consumers.

“[The plaintiff] seeks to recover damages because the products are adulterated, worthless, and unfit for its intended and advertised age-appropriate audience,” the suit says, alleging that consumers would not have bought the dolls had they been aware of the defendant’s “improper oversight.”

No one mourns the Wicked dolls, it seems. Except for maybe eBay sellers, who have apparently listed dolls with misprinted labels for as much as $800.

Who does the Wicked doll lawsuit cover?

The Wicked doll lawsuit looks to represent anyone in the United States who purchased Mattel’s Wicked doll with the pornographic website printed on the product packaging.

How do I join the Wicked doll lawsuit?

There’s usually nothing you need to do to join a class action lawsuit when the case is first filed. It’s usually only in the event of a class action settlement that those affected by the lawsuit—i.e., class members—need to take action. This typically involves filling out and filing a claim form online or by mail.

ClassAction.org will update this page with any developments on the Wicked doll lawsuit.

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