Hasbro provokes backlash after making Mr Potato Head gender neutral

 (Photo: Hasbro)

Toymaker Hasbro sparked an online backlash this week after announcing that it would be dropping the "Mr" from its Mr Potato Head toy. 

Mr Potato Head is one of the most popular toys to be feature in the hit Toy Story movie franchise from Disney and Pixar. 

Notably, his character was known for insisting on the "Mr", with "That's Mr Potato Head to you" being one of the memorable lines from the movie. 

Hasbro announced on Thursday that the toy was being "reimagined for the modern consumer" and that "Mr" was being removed from packaging from autumn.

It said the new version would give children "endless" opportunities to create their own families.  

"Hasbro is making sure all feel welcome in the Potato Head world by officially dropping the Mr from the Mr Potato Head brand name and logo to promote gender equality and inclusion," it said in a statement. 

But the toymaker was mocked online after the announcement. 

TalkRADIO's Mark Dolan called Mr Potato Head the "latest victim of cancel culture" and of "woke political correctness gone mad".

"It is a shocking story, it is a disgrace," he said. 

"He's a potato! Please leave well alone. Welcome to the crazy world of 2021."

GMB presenter Piers Morgan tweeted that there were more important things to be getting on with in the middle of a global pandemic than making Mr Potato Head gender-neutral "in case we upset a few wokies". 

Hasbro has since clarified that Mr and Mrs Potato Head "aren't going anywhere" and will still be available to buy. 

News
Bible sales grew in 2025, data shows
Bible sales grew in 2025, data shows

Strong sales in trivia, quiz books and religious titles highlight "sustained demand for escapism and insight", says NielsenIQ.

'Almost 400 million Christians worldwide face persecution or violence,' Holy See warns
'Almost 400 million Christians worldwide face persecution or violence,' Holy See warns

Christians remain the most persecuted religious group globally, the Holy See’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva has warned, urging governments to strengthen protections for freedom of religion.

Tom Holland appointed Bede Librarian at Durham Cathedral
Tom Holland appointed Bede Librarian at Durham Cathedral

Holland said he was honoured to take up the role.

Two more Christians confirmed killed in Iran protests
Two more Christians confirmed killed in Iran protests

A total of 19 Christians have been confirmed dead as a result of a crackdown on anti-government protests.