Singaporean retailers — both online and offline — reportedly pulled out knock-off toy sets of Lego depicting notorious terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, commonly known and referred to as ISIS.
The made-in-China knock-off toys were spotted being sold by 8 Series, a retail store located in People’s Park Center in Outram, Singapore, as well as on the online local store Carousell, according to The Straits Times.
Many were concerned that selling these Lego sets could potentially lead to the glorification of the ruthless terrorist group.
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The knock-off Lego toys were priced between $3.80 ($2.80) to $25 ($18.39) on both Carousell and 8 Series. They were described as “Falcon Commando” with pictures showing different scenes involving an ISIS flag, explosions and firefight using AK-47s. One of the sets also reportedly depicts a decapitated Lego head.
Another online retail store, Brick Generals, was also spotted selling similar Lego sets. However, their product description is more straightforward with its reference to the terrorist movement. One of the toys being sold is called “ISIS Jihadi John” with a description that reads: “Extremist who enjoys blowing things up for fun. One day, he’ll blow himself up.”
Senior director of corporate communications for Lego, Charlotte Simonsen, officially denied that these toy sets, saying that they are “in no way affiliated with the Lego Group nor are the bricks in the set Lego bricks.”
“As a company dedicated to inspire and develop children, we would naturally never make a product like this,” the spokeswoman continued in her statement to CNBC.
Knock-off Lego sets from a third-party Chinese company is not exactly that uncommon in the online market. In fact, just last month, a brothel-style toy set – dubbed by the internet as a “Lego Whore House” – was spotted on an online store based in China.
Featured Image via Facebook / Chandra Marsono
