US toymaker Hasbro will not launch its latest Transformers model in the UK because of outrage over it being named "Spastic". The company was reportedly shocked at the outcry in Britain after revealing the name online, the Daily Mail said.
The term "spastic" is widely-used in the US as a casual word for clumsiness or to describe someone who is overexcited - but is seen as derogatory and politically incorrect in Britain and Australia. The company said it "intended no offence by the use of the name 'Spastic'" and added that "it will not be available via traditional retail channels in Europe, including the UK."
"Our goal is to have all families who enjoy our brands feel good about their purchases and experiences," Hasbro added. The toy will still go on sale with its original name in the US as planned in January. Transformers is a toy line centred on two factions of warring alien robots. In a 26-year history, it has expanded to encompass comic books, animation, video games and movies.
Read more and see a picture at the Daily Mail.
Via ABC News Online
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