Credit: Universal PicturesIf you have watched television, or opened any kind of news app over the past several months, then you probably know that Wicked premiered in theaters worldwide on November 22. Wicked is based on the Broadway play of the same name and tells the story of Elphaba — AKA The Wicked Witch of the West — and Glinda.
While most of the world thinks of The Wicked Witch of the West as evil, Wicked is her origin story. It tells of her time at SHIZ University and her friendship, yes friendship with Glinda. It shows people that “wicked” people are not always born wicked, and sometimes, they are not wicked at all, just different and unwilling to give into peer pressure.
Related: Disabled ‘Wicked’ Actress Attacked by Hateful Online Trolls
Wicked is one of the most iconic plays in Broadway history, and Universal knew that it would be one of the biggest movies of the year. But that didn’t stop them from marketing the heck out of the film.
For months, there have been dozens of interviews, merchandise deals with Target, massive new shopping and dining areas set up at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, and so much more.
As part of promoting the movie, Mattel created dolls that look like Glinda and Elphaba. The dolls were limited edition and Mattel did a beautiful job on them. However, there was one thing that buyers did not expect.
There was a link on the back that directed buyers to Wicked.com. However, Wicked.com is not a film website, it is a porn website, and buyers were shocked when they discovered that the hard way.
Once the problem was discovered, Mattel immediately removed the dolls from shelves so they could be reboxed with the correct link — Wickedmovie.com.
Unfortunately, one angry mother bought the mislabeled box and is now suing Mattel for an undisclosed amount.
According to the lawsuit, filed by a woman in South Carolina, Mattel has not offered to refund her money. She further claims that her young daughter has suffered from “emotional distress.”
“These scenes were hardcore, full-on nude pornographic images depicting actual intercourse,” read the class action lawsuit filed in California on Tuesday and obtained by TheWrap. “The products are adulterated, worthless and unfit for its intended and advertised age-appropriate audience.”
A recall on the toys in question was announced on Nov. 11, though a refund was not publicly offered. The mom who filed the suit is suing for restitution and damages, citing negligence and emotional distress. She is seeking a jury trial.
Shortly after the mistake was discovered, Mattel issued a public apology, calling the misprint an “unfortunate error.”
The South Carolina mother is looking to make the lawsuit a class-action one, but a judge has not yet approved the motion.
Wicked is currently in theaters and has grossed nearly $400 million since its release.
Do you think the mother’s lawsuit should be able to move forward? Or should Mattel just be told to refund her money to settle the whole thing? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!