Bratz has apologized for initially excluding Sasha, its Black doll, from a collaboration with Hello Kitty last month. The company stated it would include Sasha in the collection following fan feedback.
On September 30, Bratz and Sanrio, the Japanese company behind Hello Kitty, launched a collector’s collection. This collection initially featured dolls Chloe, Yasmin, and Jade to celebrate Hello Kitty’s upcoming birthday on November 1.
Jill Koch, the SVP of Brand and Marketing at Sanrio, Inc., said in a press release, “At its core, this collaboration is about celebrating individuality and the joy of expressing yourself in your own unique way. Hello Kitty has always inspired friendship, kindness, and creativity, while Bratz encourages bold style and confidence. Together, they bring a playful energy that invites fans of all ages to embrace their true selves and share the fun of fashion and friendship.”
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The statement also read in part, “Both Bratz and Hello Kitty have evolved beyond the toy aisle to become true pop culture touchstones, each with devoted, multigenerational fanbases around the world. Since their debuts, these two brands have captured hearts through their distinctive characters, signature aesthetics, and celebration of self-expression and friendship. With Bratz approaching its 25th anniversary and Hello Kitty beloved in over 130 countries, this collaboration brings together two global icons at a moment of peak cultural nostalgia. For more than 50 years, Hello Kitty has inspired generations across fashion, art, music, and design — making her not just a character, but a timeless cultural icon recognized worldwide.”
However, fans were quick to notice that Sasha, the only Black doll in the main Bratz group, wasn’t part of the collaboration. After some social media uproar, the toy company announced that Sasha would indeed be joining the Hello Kitty partnership.
Bratz wrote in a statement on Instagram, “We’ve heard your feedback about Sasha not being part of the Bratz x Hello Kitty collab. Sasha is forever a core Bratz girl. The lineup for this release was determined on the Bratz side. Our friends at Sanrio have been incredible partners throughout, and together we’re thrilled to share that Sasha is joining the collaboration — more info to come soon.”
The company added, “Your passion made it clear how much she means to you all, and we are excited to give her the spotlight she deserves. Sasha has headlined some of our biggest collaborations, and she will continue to shine in upcoming projects. Thank you for keeping the Bratz spirit alive.”
Nonetheless, fans were clearly unhappy, voicing their displeasure in the comments section as follows:
“Usually I love Bratz, but admitting Sasha is an afterthought to y’all gives me the ick ngl,” one wrote.
“The 4 ogs should always be in it together,” a second stated.
“She should’ve never been excluded to begin with, it goes against everything Bratz taught us,” another fan commented.
“idk. I’m not feeling like this is genuine. like imagine if nobody was outraged this wouldn’t have happened… it’s giving HERE DAMN,” a fourth wrote.
“Thank you! This shouldn’t have happened in the first place, but *please* do not let us take a step back,” another commented.
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Others also demanded an explanation for the omission, with one writing, “This doesn’t suffice for me. I’d like to know the reason she was excluded to begin with?”
“This isn’t the first time y’all have done this tho…might wanna think about making some internal changes,” another commented.
“Let’s ask the real question. In the Collab, was it Bratz’s decision to not include Sasha or Sanrio’s?” a fan asked.
On the bright side, others were pleased that their concerns were addressed.
“YAY I’m so happy Sasha is going to finally be in the line @bratz please don’t make the mistake of excluding our queen again,” said a fan.
“They listened, they took notes, they change it. Thank you, Bratz,” another wrote.
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