Posted on 10/14/2006 7:09:22 PM PDT by LibWhacker
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.
picture please...?
Anyone have a photo of this box of which they speak?
It is potentially offensive and not suitable for children -- literally -- view at your own risk: http://members.shaw.ca/mrayner/rt-muslimlego.jpg
I have seen the pic. It was in a joke email sent to me with a number of other lego figures in compromising positions. The Prophet, piss be upon him, is not portryed piously../snicker..
By gum I love the Danes. Even the toys, even the toys!
YEOWZA
Thats hot!!! hubba hubba. full frontal lego nudity.
More Muslim outrage ahead..
That statement alone will piss off the Muzzies. Expect riots. If only Lego were lopping the heads off of infidels would they get a pass on this. Muzzies have no respect for human rights.
LOL! My new wallpaper.
bump for publicity
right click on the red x and past the link in your browser to see it. Funny! for some reason it wont stay up here.
Computer - $750. Copy of Photoshop - $150. Combination Printer/Scanner - $100. Internet Acess - $20. Opportunity to expose Islam for the sham that it is: Priceless.
If it were Mohammed it would be with a young boy.
So, what's the problem? It appears to be historically accurate.
I think by way of apology, the Danish government should send Christmas Hams to any who were offended..
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