Toys "R" Us is courting controversy after the popular toy store started retailing "Breaking Bad" action figures.
Breaking Bad is a popular television drama on AMC, which revolves around Walter White - a chemistry teacher who starts making the drug crystal meth, aka crystal methamphetamine, to make ends meet.
The Toys "R" Us has started selling two action dolls of the protagonist. The Walter White doll holds a crystal meth tray or carries a gun, whereas the other action figure of Jesse Pinkman (White's assistant) dons protection gear like a gas mask and hazmat suit to ward off toxic fumes that are created while cooking. The Breaking Bad action figure also comes with a duffel bag that has bank notes, as well as a tiny bag that holds the crystals.
However, the toy store's move to retail the action figure hasn't gone down well with Susan Schrivjer, a Florida mom. Schrivjer has started a petition online on Change.org, campaigning for the Breaking Bad dolls to be removed from Toys "R" Us.
"Toys R Us is well-known around the world for their vast selection of toys for children of all ages. However, their 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," says Schrivjer in her petition.
The petition has generated around 8,000 signatures so far. Schrivjer, who was "shocked" and "appalled" on seeing the action figures at Toys "R" Us' online and retail stores, also appeared on NBC's show "Today" to garner media support and attention.
Concerned parents are questioning Toys "R" Us' ethics and values in selling the Breaking Bad figures.
"Toys R Us, this is sick....I'm appalled. Masks? Guns? Promoting meth? You should be ashamed," wrote a petition supporter.
To counter the criticism, Toys "R" Us says that "the product packaging clearly notes that the items are intended for ages 15 and up" and the figures "are located in the adult action figure area of our stores."
Even though the Breaking Bad figures are kept in the adult section at Toys "R" Us, supporters opine that they should not be in a family-friendly toy store in the first place.
Interestingly, producers of the Today show found the action figures stacked next to the Super Mario and G.I. Joe figures.
A search on Toys R Us' online store does not throw up the Breaking Bad figures as listed anymore. Amid the buzz about the collectible dolls, the company has pulled the items from its stores.
"Let's just say, the action figures have taken an indefinite sabbatical," Toys R Us said in a statement.
