In what certainly seemed like a bad April Fools’ joke, many news outlets have reported today that “LEGO is pulling their Jabba’s Palace Playset following a Muslim Controversy.” Yes, there were some people that made a stink about nothing. Yes, the LEGO set will end production this year. No, the set is not being pulled due to any controversy, but it will end production in 2013… just as all LEGO sets eventually do. In fact, you can still order the set right now from the Official LEGO Shop.
Despite a Turkish Muslim Group claiming “victory” over LEGO in regard to the set, as nearly anyone can tell you – toys (like most products) have a lifespan in the grand scheme of things. Later this year, the LEGO Jabba’s Palace will cease production, just as it’s been intended to since before it’s launch in early 2012. All a part of the plan.
While I’m sure some unscrupulous cash-grabbers are probably rushing to post their Jabba’s Palace Playsets on eBay, the set is available today from the Official LEGO Shop, though you better act fast if you want one – Walmart and Target have both sold out online already.
As for the criticism, Birol Kilic, head of the Turkish Cultural Association of Austria claimed that the Jabba’s Palace Playset resembled a mosque, and “does not belong in children’s bedrooms.” This old news that resurfaced today was actually addressed by LEGO on their official site back on January 24, 2013.
Sometimes truth… and the actions of people inspired by it… is much stranger than fiction.
In the meantime, whoever happens to be operating the @LEGO_Group twitter account has been busy all day responding to folks regarding the media-manufactured STAR WARS “controversy.”
{source}
@https://twitter.com/wcsowder”;>wcsowder It’s not. “Jabba’s Palace” has been scheduled to exit in 2013 since its launch last year & not due to any critique
— The LEGO Group (@LEGO_Group) https://twitter.com/LEGO_Group/status/318816689930268672″;>April 1, 2013
Are LEGO STAR WARS sets big in your house?
