Mattel’s latest Monster High Skullector doll collaboration has sparked controversy among conservative commentators, though claims of a “cannibal doll” appear exaggerated. The company recently unveiled a inspired by Netflix’s Squid Game, featuring pigtails with skull accessories, dalgona cookie-patterned stockings, and red guard-inspired heels. While not literally cannibalistic, the doll represents a deadly game mascot from the show where characters fight to the death – a theme some critics argue glorifies violence.
This release follows patterns that previously angered conservative voices like Ben Shapiro, who famously burned $69 worth of Barbies in 2023 over the Barbie movie’s “woke feminism”. The Young-Hee doll’s $65 price tag and macabre styling have drawn comparisons to earlier Mattel controversies, with some critics suggesting the company continues pushing “dark themes” inappropriate for children.
Mattel’s 2025 product roadmap shows no signs of slowing collaborative horror projects, with live-streamed events like announcing new partnerships. While no literal cannibal dolls exist in their lineup, the company’s embrace of mature franchises continues dividing audiences – praised by collectors but criticized by those advocating for traditional toy values. Social media backlash appears inevitable given Shapiro’s previous condemnations of Mattel’s “anti-male agenda” and calls to boycott products perceived as undermining family values.
