You Probably Forgot About These Controversial Barbies

Much like Martha Stewart, Barbie is an icon for women all over the world. Also like Martha Stewart, Barbie was hit with some backlash after she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated.

News that Barbie would be on about 1,000 issues of Sports Illustrated, which were to be distributed at the New York Toy Fair, came in 2014 amid reports that Mattel was suffering losses and looking for a way to inject energy (apparently by any means necessary) back into the brand. Barbie posed in the magazine alongside real women for the issue, and a Sports Illustrated edition doll was released. As reported by NBC News, Mattel's spokesperson at the time explained, "Posing in SI gives Barbie and her fellow legends an opportunity to own who they are, celebrate what they have accomplished and show the world it is OK to be capable and captivating."

Sports Illustrated Barbie ruffled some parents' feathers, especially among those who believe that the doll represents unrealistic expectations and standards for body image and size. But it seemed that Mattel was prepared for the potential backlash, as the campaign ran with the hashtag #unapologetic. Sports Illustrated Barbie definitely struck a chord, but not all the feedback was negative. Another Mattel spokesperson explained to Ad Age that the doll, like the magazine itself, is no stranger to controversy and conversation. "As with Barbie, every year the Swimsuit edition sparks conversations about women and body image, and Sports Illustrated stands unapologetically behind this issue that women, in reality, love," the spokesperson said.