Hasbro Pulls Trolls Doll Amidst Complaints of Inappropriate Sensor Feature

Hasbro is pulling its Giggle and Sing Poppy Trolls World Tour doll from selves amidst complaints from parents and a Change.org petition that one of its sensors is highly inappropriate.

The petition, which has over 200,000 signatures so far, was started by Jessica McManis after she noticed the doll she had purchased had a sensor button between the doll’s legs. “Our society is conditioning our children to think pedophilia is ok,” McManis wrote in her petition, asking Target, Walmart, Amazon, Dollar General and Family Dollar Stores to pull the toy. “This is not okay for a child’s toy! This toy needs to be removed from our stores. What will this toy make our innocent, impressionable children think? That it’s fun when someone touches your private area? That pedophilia and child molestation are ok? It’s not ok! It’s not fun! It’s damaging and has long term effects on a child’s mental/physical health.”

A disturbing video re-posted to Twitter also shows the doll “gasps and giggles” when the button is activated. “I find this disturbing and I find it something that needs to be shared,” the mom filming said in the video. “I know some of you may not think this is a big deal, but especially since I’ve had kids…this is wrong. It says nothing about this button on the box.”

In a statement given to the Providence Journal, Julie Duffy, spokeswoman for Hasbro, said the sensor placement was not intentional.

“This feature was designed to react when the doll was seated, but we recognize the placement of the sensor may be perceived as inappropriate," she told the outlet in an email. “This was not intentional and we are happy to provide consumers with a replacement Poppy doll of similar value through our consumer care team. We are in the process of removing the item for purchase.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.