Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Mattel apologizes for Asian representation shortfall in Olympics collection
Company response
Mattel apologized for the lack of Asian representation in its Tokyo Olympics collection after online criticism. The company said its Skateboarder doll was intended to represent the Asian American community, but acknowledged that its effort fell short.
Company response
Apology — Mattel
Toymaker Mattel has apologised for failing to represent Asians in its Olympics collection.
Source excerpt
Toymaker Mattel has apologised for failing to represent Asians in its Olympics collection.
“Our intention to represent the Asian community with the Skateboarder doll fell short and we fully receive and recognise the feedback,” NBC News reported quoting a company spokesperson in a statement.
The apology came after the company got roasted online that its lineup did not include a Barbie, who appeared to be Asian, after it reignited promotion for its Olympic Barbie dolls released early last year.
2021
Barbie faces backlash over Olympics collection
Public backlash
Barbie faced criticism after the relaunch of its Tokyo Olympics 2020 collection allegedly omitted an Asian-American doll. The source reports criticism but does not establish that the omission was intentional.
Source excerpt
Barbie is facing backlash after allegedly leaving out an Asian doll in the recent relaunch of its Tokyo Olympics 2020 collection.
But after the company relaunched the collection on Saturday, Mattel faced criticism for the absence of an Asian-American doll, especially since the Games are taking place in Tokyo.
2020
Lawsuit over Luciana Vega doll
Lawsuit filed
Astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz filed a lawsuit against American Girl and its parent company Mattel, alleging that they used her likeness and name to create the Luciana Vega doll. The suit seeks to stop sales of the doll. The event was reported in April 2020.
Astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz sued American Girl and its parent company Mattel, alleging they used her likeness and name to create the Luciana Vega doll. She seeks to stop sales of the doll.
Source excerpt
A Chicago astronomer is suing the maker of American Girl dolls for allegedly stealing her likeness and name to create its astronaut doll.
The Wisconsin State Journal is reporting that Lucianne Walkowicz wants American Girl and parent company Mattel to stop selling the Luciana Vega doll.
2007
Lead paint and magnet toy recalls
Mattel recalled more than 18 million products after identifying excessive lead in some surface coatings and dangerous detachable magnets in other toys. The episode prompted changes to supplier controls and product-safety procedures.
1974
Financial-reporting investigation
An investigation concluded that Mattel had issued false and misleading financial reports. The episode led to the removal of co-founders Ruth and Elliot Handler from company leadership.