If you have young children at home, I'm sure you've seen the movie Trolls at least a dozen and a half times. The animated movie is one that young kids absolutely love. The songs, the colors, and, of course, the glitter win their way into every little kid's heart. Take it from me, I've watched Trolls and the recent follow-up Trolls World Tour with my niece and nephew probably 15 different times each...in the last two months.
Instagram | @jamiecornaby
Hasbro Pulls 'Trolls World Tour' Doll Following Backlash From Parents Online
The *Trolls* franchise was basically designed for merchandise.
Not only do the films and TV shows gross tons of money, but the franchise has also launched items such as toys, clothing, and other accessories for children to fall in love with.
However, there are times when new toys have some controversy behind them.
Unsplash | Denisse Leon
Whether its something that makes way too much noise or even toys that can be dangerous for young kids, there have been numerous instances when parents have spoken out against a specific toy that was later recalled by the company.
Recently, a Poppy doll from *Trolls World Tour* has been causing quite the controversy online.
Hasbro, the company behind the Trolls doll has actually discontinued the toy after outraged parents shared their concerns online. It all stemmed from one video that was posted by a mother to Instagram.
Essentially, the video expressed concern over the placement of the toy's button.
The DreamWorks Trolls World Tour Giggle & Sing Poppy Doll was marketed as a Poppy doll that sang songs from the movie. However, kids would have to push a button in order for Poppy to make noise.
The placement of the button was less than desirable for parents.
Instagram | @jamiecornaby
In fact, the button happened to be placed in between Poppy's legs or, as some put it, in her "private" area. Parents were not happy about this design.
The mom in the video showed viewers that in order to make the doll sing, you had to bend both of her legs forward to get to the button.
Instagram | @jamiecornaby
Once the button was activated the doll would sing, giggle, and make gasping noises.
The original video that sparked concern was posted to Instagram by a mother.
Instagram | @jamiecornaby
The mother, Jamie Cornaby (@jamiecornaby on Instagram), originally posted the video to social media. It was later picked up by another Instagram account, @redpillbabe, who posted it saying:
"Go I dare you. Tell me I’m crazy. In what morphed dimension of the simulation IS THIS OK? How do you cognitive dissonance this away? They’re attacking your children and you just keep calling the people telling you 'crazy'. God be with us. Some people really won't see the problem here."
Others online were in agreement with the outrage, thinking it was inappropriate to place the button there at all.
Unsplash | Glenn Carstens-Peters
Due to the lack of parent enthusiasm and several outraged parents, a petition went around online to stop the production of this particular Poppy toy.
The petition on change.org garnered over 450,000 signatures in support of discontinuing the doll.
Unsplash | Christin Hume
Similar to the initial social media posts criticizing the doll, the petition claimed that the doll conditions "...our children to think pedophilia is ok," and called for its removal from stores.
As controversy surrounding the doll grew, more parents turned to social media to express their outrage over it.
Numerous parents made videos showing exactly how the button works and the sounds made by the doll. This Twitter user called Hasbro "irresponsible" for approving the doll's design.
Following the petition and numerous reports on the doll featuring concerned parents, Hasbro officially pulled the toy from shelves.
Even with the news of the doll being discontinued, many parents continued to voice their opinions on social media.
Even though the toy's design was likely an oversight, parents online continue to call it "disturbing" and Hasbro has issued an apology.
"This feature was designed to react when the doll was seated, but we recognize the placement of the sensor may be perceived as inappropriate," said Julie Duffy, senior vice president of global communications for Hasbro.
However, as videos and posts speculating that the toy was designed to "groom children" for predators went viral, independent fact-checkers from Facebook and Instagram stepped in.
Instagram | @jamiecornaby
Posts and videos about the doll on these platforms now contain a disclaimer saying that these claims have been determined to be "partly false [...] the button triggers giggly sounds when doll is placed in a sitting position..." There is no evidence that the doll was designed for predatory purposes.
Hasbro is offering a free replacement doll for anyone who has concerns over the doll's design.
Walmart
Consumers who purchased the doll and would like an exchange will be able to get a similar Poppy doll without the button from the company by contacting their Consumer Care Team.
h/t: Cafe Mom
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