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Mom calls out Toys R Us for selling fake drugs with 'Breaking Bad' action figures
BreakingBad
usan Schrivjer, a mother from Fort Myers, Florida, has created a petition against the popular toy store, Toys R Us for selling action figures of the characters from AMC's "Breaking Bad." - photo by Toys R Us screenshot

Susan Schrivjer, a mother from Fort Myers, Florida, has created a petition against the popular toy store Toys R Us for selling action figures of the characters from AMC's "Breaking Bad."

Schrivjer became upset about the action figures after she saw the accessories each action figure comes with.

The action figures resemble two characters from the show: Walter White, a high school teacher turned meth dealer, whose action figure comes with a sack of cash and a bag of blue crystals, and White's assistant Jesse Pinkman, whose action figure comes with a gas mask that is used while making meth.

"Their decision to sell a 'Breaking Bad' doll, complete with a detachable sack of cash and a bag of meth, alongside children’s toys is a dangerous deviation from their family friendly values," Schrivjer stated in her Change.org petition.

Thousands have agreed with Schrivjer. Her petition had more than 3,500 signatures as of Monday afternoon.

Schrivjer, who appeared on the "Today" show expressed her concern about what the toy teaches children.

"Anything to do with drugs is not doing the right thing," Schrivjer said. "I just think that they need to look at their visions and values, as they call them."

On the Toys R Us website it explains the business' "Vision and Values" as being something to protect kids.

"At Toys R Us®, we love kids!" the website states. "Since the company’s founding more than 65 years ago, kids have been central to who we are and what we do. We approach our business operations with responsibility and integrity, understanding the trust parents place in us to do the right thing and act as a reliable partner as they navigate the various stages of parenthood. ... We provide the resources necessary to keep their kids safe. This is a core value at the forefront of all we do."

In an interview with WFTX of Fort Myers, Florida, Schrivjer explained why such toys are not safe.

"Kids mimic their actions figures," Schrivjer said. "Do you want your kid in an orange jump suit?"

Kathleen Waugh, vice president of communications for Toys R Us, released a statement to NBC News regarding the action figures.

"The product packaging clearly notes that the items are intended for ages 15 and up" and "are located in the adult action figure area of our stores."

Many have expressed their opinions by commenting on the online petition and on the Toys R Us Facebook page.

"I will not be shopping at Toys R US this Christmas for my child until I hear that the 'Breaking Bad' doll has been removed," Susan Ettinger wrote on Facebook. "Just because it is marketed to 15+ does not make it OK. I don't want my 15-year-old to be in possession of a drug doll either. Shame on you for promoting that. Let the TV distributor sell it online if they must for the adult collectors. A store dedicated to children shouldn't be in that business."

Others don't agree with the Schrivjer's petition.

"Don't see the big deal with the Breaking Bad toys," Jeff Cook posted on the Toys R Us Facebook page. "I mean a little kid isn't going to want them unless their parents already let them watch the show. I already got my order in for them. I'm a 34-year-old and that's who these toys are made for. Thanks Toys R Us for selling them!"

But many parents have continued to comment on the message the toys send to children.

Jaime Keasler of Buford, Georgia, commented on the Change.org petition, "It's sick that a company would design kids toys that glorify the making of meth. It's just as sick to sell them. ... As my 11-year-old daughter just said, 'I thought we were supposed to teach kids not to do drugs.' Exactly."