Lego apologizes to Muslims over bogus box set image
10-15-06, 11:22 AM
#1
Lego apologizes to Muslims over bogus box set image
http://www.journalinquirer.com/site/...d=161556&rfi=6
Lego apologizes to Muslims over bogus box set image
By:Howard French, Journal Inquirer
10/13/2006
Danish toymaker Lego Group today issued a pre-emptive apology to Muslims around the world for the appearance a second time since spring - via e-mail and on numerous Web sites - of an authentic-looking Lego box showing the prophet Mohammed in a sexually compromising position, company officials said.
"The picture of the box is computer manipulated and in the picture Lego elements are used to depict the Prophet Mohammed in a situation of a sexual nature - with a severely offensive text," Charlotte Simonsen, Lego's head of corporate communications, said in a company statement.
Lego operates its headquarters for North and South America in Enfield.
"The Lego Group wants to stress that there is no such Lego product, and that the company totally condemns the picture and the manner in which someone has made use of the Lego products and brand," Simonsen said.
"The Lego Group does not know the original source of the image which back in spring appeared on some European Web sites," she said. "Possibilities of stopping this use of Lego products and brands are being investigated, and the Lego Group is collaborating with the Danish police in the matter," Simonsen said.
Lego has posted a statement on its Web site, www.lego.com
A spokesman at Lego's Enfield offices could not be reached for immediate comment about possible tightening of security at the complex because of the offensive material. But in a brief phone interview from Denmark today, Simonsen said that Lego has not felt a need to increase security around its properties.
At this point reactions have been mostly disbelief that Lego would ever produce such a product, she said, adding people who have contacted Lego thus far have been understanding.
A cartoon published in a Danish newspaper last February sparked riots and other violence around the world as Muslims vented their anger over images that included one showing a turbaned figure suggesting an Islamic propensity for bombings.
In today's statement, Simonsen said Lego has watched a rising phenomenon in recent years of "artists" making "very creative models," usually promoting positive ideals.
"Other people, however, use our bricks for models that we never can and will support or endorse," she said. Such is the case with the Prophet Mohammed image being circulated around the Internet, Simonsen said.
"We would like to express our sympathy with anyone who is hurt by this. It is not at all in our interest that people are insulted by illustrations made with Lego bricks," she added.
Simonsen went on to say that Lego has no idea who might be behind the offensive image, adding the company has only "very limited legal possibilities" to stop such misuse of its products and images.
"We are, however, working with the Danish police in this recent specific matter," she said.
"We would like to stress that the Lego Group respects human rights and works actively against discrimination based on ethnical background, race, religion, gender, age, disabilities, or sexual orientation," Simonsen concluded.
Lego apologizes to Muslims over bogus box set image
By:Howard French, Journal Inquirer
10/13/2006
Danish toymaker Lego Group today issued a pre-emptive apology to Muslims around the world for the appearance a second time since spring - via e-mail and on numerous Web sites - of an authentic-looking Lego box showing the prophet Mohammed in a sexually compromising position, company officials said.
"The picture of the box is computer manipulated and in the picture Lego elements are used to depict the Prophet Mohammed in a situation of a sexual nature - with a severely offensive text," Charlotte Simonsen, Lego's head of corporate communications, said in a company statement.
Lego operates its headquarters for North and South America in Enfield.
"The Lego Group wants to stress that there is no such Lego product, and that the company totally condemns the picture and the manner in which someone has made use of the Lego products and brand," Simonsen said.
"The Lego Group does not know the original source of the image which back in spring appeared on some European Web sites," she said. "Possibilities of stopping this use of Lego products and brands are being investigated, and the Lego Group is collaborating with the Danish police in the matter," Simonsen said.
Lego has posted a statement on its Web site, www.lego.com
A spokesman at Lego's Enfield offices could not be reached for immediate comment about possible tightening of security at the complex because of the offensive material. But in a brief phone interview from Denmark today, Simonsen said that Lego has not felt a need to increase security around its properties.
At this point reactions have been mostly disbelief that Lego would ever produce such a product, she said, adding people who have contacted Lego thus far have been understanding.
A cartoon published in a Danish newspaper last February sparked riots and other violence around the world as Muslims vented their anger over images that included one showing a turbaned figure suggesting an Islamic propensity for bombings.
In today's statement, Simonsen said Lego has watched a rising phenomenon in recent years of "artists" making "very creative models," usually promoting positive ideals.
"Other people, however, use our bricks for models that we never can and will support or endorse," she said. Such is the case with the Prophet Mohammed image being circulated around the Internet, Simonsen said.
"We would like to express our sympathy with anyone who is hurt by this. It is not at all in our interest that people are insulted by illustrations made with Lego bricks," she added.
Simonsen went on to say that Lego has no idea who might be behind the offensive image, adding the company has only "very limited legal possibilities" to stop such misuse of its products and images.
"We are, however, working with the Danish police in this recent specific matter," she said.
"We would like to stress that the Lego Group respects human rights and works actively against discrimination based on ethnical background, race, religion, gender, age, disabilities, or sexual orientation," Simonsen concluded.
10-15-06, 12:26 PM
#2
DVD Talk Godfather
I don't blame Lego. It's fake but the potential for overreaction is something you can't ignore in this case. Plus, I hate to say it but many in certain areas of the world will still think Lego did this to shit on their Faith. 
other than that...
@ the image.
other than that...
@ the image.
10-15-06, 02:01 PM
#7
Senior Member
mahahahahahahhahah! "Play as if you are a profit... not suitable for girls" LMFAO freaking classic.
Lego recently launched a 'make your own set' function in their catalog and online. You design the set, plans, etc. and they box it with graphics (like an actual store bought set) and they ship it to you. Obviously I doubt they would make the "Mohammed" set for you but it seems pretty cool regardless.
Lego recently launched a 'make your own set' function in their catalog and online. You design the set, plans, etc. and they box it with graphics (like an actual store bought set) and they ship it to you. Obviously I doubt they would make the "Mohammed" set for you but it seems pretty cool regardless.
10-15-06, 02:52 PM
#10
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by MWB
Just remember: Islam is a religion of peace.
10-15-06, 03:46 PM
#13
Originally Posted by Save Ferris
I think they're overreacting. Why would any muslim get offended by a piece of plastic that someone photoshopped.
They dont even have sex organs.
They dont even have sex organs.
10-15-06, 03:52 PM
#15
DVD Talk Legend
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Originally Posted by MWB
Just remember: Islam is a religion of peace.
Wait until the riots start before pointing that out.
10-15-06, 03:55 PM
#16
DVD Talk God
Originally Posted by bhk
I thought it was from The Onion. Anyways, why should LEGO apologize? They didn't actuall make it.
10-15-06, 05:22 PM
#20
DVD Talk Godfather
Originally Posted by Bronkster
and Lego is a religion of pieces.
5/5
10-15-06, 06:29 PM
#22
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*Well, if they're going to issue a "pre-emptive apology to Muslims" for the fake box cover, what will they do when DVDTalkers photoshop all sorts of strange images and things on a Lego box and post it all over the internet?
Will they issue a "pre-emptive apology" for each photoshopped image?
*(that's a plea for more photoshopped Lego boxes!)
Will they issue a "pre-emptive apology" for each photoshopped image?
*(that's a plea for more photoshopped Lego boxes!)
