Toys R Us has quietly pulled the Mezco Toyz Breaking Bad action figures from its brick and mortar store shelves and online store, after a Florida woman’s Change.org petition called on the company to take the figures off the shelves. The petition got a segment on NBC’s Today Show Sunday, and Toys R Us evidently decided the publicity was too negative to endure.
The Mezco 6” action figure in question depicts the AMC show’s main character, Walter White, as his alter ego, drug kingpin Heisenberg. The figure comes with accessories that include a sack of cash and "a bag of blue crystals," which are the signature blue crystal methamphetamine compound the cancer-stricken former high-school teacher creates to make money for his family before his death.
The figure, along with other Walter White and Jesse Pinkman figures, has been available since Fall 2013 through comic stores, specialty retailers, and mass merchants, and is still available on Walmart.com (though listed as out of stock). The petition, started last week by Susan Schrivjer in Fort Myers, FL, states, "[Toys R Us'] decision to sell a Breaking Bad doll, complete with a detachable sack of cash and a bag of meth, alongside children’s toys is a dangerous deviation from their family friendly values. That’s why I’m calling on Toys R Us to immediately stop selling the Breaking Bad doll collection in their stores and on their website." The petition had received only 1,000 signatures before The Today Show picked up the story on October 19th, and as of this writing, has 8,018 signers.
Toys R Us Vice President, Communications Kathleen Waugh initially responded to NBC News, "...The product packaging clearly notes that the items are intended for ages 15 and up," and "are located in the adult action figure area of our stores." However, now the figures have been removed from the store shelves and from Toys R Us' website.
Emmy-winning star, Bryan Cranston, who portrayed Walter White on Breaking Bad, tweeted his own response on Monday: "Florida mom petitions against Toys 'R Us over Breaking Bad action figures. I'm so mad, I'm burning my Florida Mom action figure in protest.”"
Toys R Us, of course, sells many products designated for older consumers, although they are not always segregated that carefully in the stores. The Today show piece showed Breaking Bad action figures on display next to G.I. Joe and other kids brands. Regardless, the products are no longer available from TRU.
After Online Protest
Posted by ICv2 on October 21, 2014 @ 5:17 pm CT
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