Most toys make their way from the store shelves into the homes of excited children without making any headlines, but then there are other toys that really rock the boat. Sometimes it's because they reinforce gender roles, while other times it's because it sounds like they are saying something profane. Well Hasbro's Trolls World Tour "Giggle & Sing Poppy" doll is the latest to get pulled from shelves because of some negative press, and the reason behind it has to do with a rather unfortunately placed button.
The toy, which is for kids ages four and older, sings and giggles when Poppy's stomach is pushed, and she also makes sounds when she sits down. That's actually what caused the issue. In a video one mother posted on Facebook, she pointed out the problem. She calls the toy "disturbing" and shows how there is button between Poppy's legs and when you push it, she makes sounds, like a gasp. The mom says, "I know some of you may not think this is a big deal, but especially since I've had kids, this is wrong."
So many people saw the video that a Change.org petition was started to have it taken off shelves. The petition read, "Our society is conditioning our children to think pedophilia is ok. This Trolls World Tour doll named Poppy has a button on her private area under her skirt. When you push this button on the doll's private she gasps and giggles. This is not okay for a child's toy! This toy needs to be removed from our stores."
Hasbro has discontinued the doll and addressed the controversy in a statement saying, "This feature was designed to react when the doll was seated, but we recognize the placement of the sensor may be perceived as inappropriate. This was not intentional, and we are happy to provide consumers with a replacement Poppy doll of similar value through our Consumer Care team."
Photo: Getty Images