'Unfortunate error': 'Wicked' dolls with porn site on packaging pulled from Target, Amazon
Mattel's packaging for its latest dolls came with a wicked mistake.
The link 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.