Tattoo Barbie exits stores

The first Barbie doll to sport a permanent tattoo - on her midriff - has been taken out of production by its maker, Mattel, due to parental outcry.

This is just the latest controversy over a doll that has been criticized for encouraging an unhealthy body image in girls. Parents, concerned that Butterfly Art Barbie would influence their children, persuaded Mattel to drop the doll.

The original design was even more dramatic - featuring triple-pierced ears and nose studs in addition to tattoos. Mattel dropped the piercings but kept the body art, hoping to update Barbie's image and revive flagging sales.

Source: AP