Hasbro spokesperson Julie Duffy wrote, “This feature was designed to react when the doll was seated, but we recognize the placement of the sensor may be perceived as inappropriate,” in a statement released via Deadline. In Cornaby’s video, she implies that she thinks that the company is “grooming our kids” for sex trafficking through the doll. Other parents seemed to agree. Jessica McManis recently started a Change.org petition to remove the Poppy doll from shelves, writing “Our society is conditioning our children to think pedophilia is ok.” The petition has now gone viral with almost 300,000 signatures. Instagram has now added a fact-checking label on Cornaby’s video to confirm that, y’know, “There is no evidence, beyond the fears of some mothers, that the button is part of a secret strategy by the toymaker to prep kids for sex trafficking.” Hasbro has since responded to the petition and assures concerned parents that the company is “in the process of removing the item for purchase” and will “provide consumers with a replacement Poppy doll of similar value through our Consumer Care team.” Is it strange that Hasbro placed the button where it did? Yep. Does it have anything to do with sex trafficking? That’s highly doubtful. But at least Hasbro plans on doing right by customers who are disturbed by the giggle-inducing-butt-button.
