South Carolina mother sues Mattel over packaging error that led to pornographic website on Wicked doll.
This Tuesday, a mother from South Carolina filed a lawsuit against Mattel for mistakenly including a link to a pornographic website on the packaging of dolls tied to the blockbuster film Wicked.
Packaging has evolved into much more than a simple container; it is now a powerful communication tool, a marketing asset, and for many consumers, the first emotional connection with a brand. Its design, functionality, and messaging significantly influence consumer perception, choice, and loyalty.
According to a recent study by Nielsen, over 70% of purchasing decisions are made at the point of sale, where packaging plays a pivotal role.
The Lawsuit
The lawsuit, a class action, was filed in a federal court in Los Angeles. Plaintiff Holly Ricketson claimed she purchased a Wicked doll for her daughter, who later visited an adult entertainment website through the link provided by the toy manufacturer.
Ricketson stated in the lawsuit that her daughter showed her explicit photographs from the website, leaving both of them “horrified” and emotionally distressed.
The plaintiff also noted that she would not have purchased the doll had she known about the error. Despite removing the dolls from shelves on November 11, Mattel has not offered refunds.
Mattel did not immediately respond to requests for comment but expressed regret over the mistake.
The California-based toy maker intended to direct buyers to the website WickedMovie.com but inadvertently linked to a similarly named website intended for viewers aged 18 and older.
Mattel markets these dolls as suitable for children aged four and up.
The lawsuit filed on Tuesday seeks at least $5 million in damages for anyone in the United States who purchased Wicked dolls with the erroneous link on the packaging. It accuses Mattel of negligence, selling unfit products, and violating California consumer protection laws.
The Wicked Film
Wicked, produced by Universal Pictures, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. According to Box Office Mojo, the film has grossed $263.2 million domestically and $360.3 million worldwide since its release on November 22.
Broader Consumer Litigation Trends
The case adds to a growing trend of consumers taking legal action against brands they consume. A recent example involved a woman suing Kraft for false advertising regarding the preparation time for Velveeta macaroni, seeking $5 million in damages.
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