Hasbro pulls Trolls doll amid uproar over a 'giggle' button between its legs

Change.org

• Hasbro is pulling its "Trolls World Tour Giggle and Sing Poppy" doll from stores after critics said it promotes pedophilia and child molestation.
• The doll has a button between her legs, under her skirt, that makes giggling noises when pushed.
• "This feature was designed to react when the doll was seated, but we recognise the placement of the sensor may be perceived as inappropriate," a spokesperson for Hasbro said.
• For more stories go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.

Hasbro is pulling a "Trolls World Tour" doll from shelves after critics said it promotes child abuse.

The "Trolls World Tour Giggle and Sing Poppy" doll was designed so that it would make giggling noises when in a seated position, according to a Hasbro spokesperson.

But a petition on Change.org points out that the button that activates certain sounds is placed underneath the doll's skirt, between her legs, which critics have deemed inappropriate. "When you push this button on the doll's private she gasps and giggles," the petition, which called for the toy's removal and now has more than 311,000 signatures, reads. "This is not okay for a child's toy!"

The petition goes on to claim that the doll promotes pedophilia and child molestation. It was directed at Target, Walmart, Amazon, Dollar General, and Family Dollar.

A video posted to Twitter that demonstrates the doll's features had been viewed more than 627,000 times as of Friday afternoon.

When reached for comment, the Hasbro spokesperson confirmed the company was in the process of removing the dolls from stores. "This feature was designed to react when the doll was seated, but we recognise the placement of the sensor may be perceived as inappropriate," they said. "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."

The Poppy doll also has a button on its stomach that leads to her singing phrases like "How about a hug?"