Daily Wire host Matt Walsh slammed the popular toy company Build-A-Bear on Thursday after it added a drag queen-inspired teddy bear to its lineup.
The Missouri-based retailer is a big hit with kids around the nation. Children visit Build-A-Bear store locations to customize stuffed animals tailored to their preferences, providing a one-of-a-kind experience. But this new teddy bear is not appropriate for young people.
RuPaul, a 62-year-old celebrity drag queen, announced a collaboration with the retailer Wednesday in an Instagram video. The “Drag Race” host unboxed a “gorgeous” pre-stuffed brown bear clothed in a gold one-shoulder gown. The bear also has gold eyeshadow, heavy eyeliner, red lipstick, and a blonde wig, plus high heels which can be purchased separately.
“I feel like a proud parent,” RuPaul said in the video.
The new RuPaul doll is featured in a section of the Build-A-Bear website called The Bear Cave, which is “filled with unexpected collabs and unique plush gifts, intended for shoppers 18 and older.” But the doll is being promoted on the website’s landing page, which is accessible to children.
“Cover BEAR! Put the fur in your walk. Head to paw, let your whole body talk,” the RuPaul Bear product description says, referencing many “Drag Race” phrases.
“She done already done had herses — and now you can have yourses with your very own RuPaul Bear! Two iconic pop culture institutions join forces for this one-of-a-kind collector’s item made in tribute to the world’s most famous drag queen,” it says.
“Category is teddy bear realness with RuPaul Bear’s signature wig and gold sequin dress included. While this isn’t RuPaul’s Best Friend Race, RuPaul Bear is still sure to become your new best squirrel friend and TV watching partner.”
Daily Wire podcast host Matt Walsh called out the company for the new collab.
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“Remember: there’s absolutely no agenda to groom your kids. Don’t be ridiculous. On an unrelated note, [Build-A-Bear] is selling a drag queen stuffed bear for children,” Walsh tweeted on Thursday.
I'm told that the bear is sold in a section of the site that's "intended for 18+ shoppers." Except that they have the drag bear right on the front page, front and center, alongside the Easter merchandise.
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) March 30, 2023
“I’m told that the bear is sold in a section of the site that’s ‘intended for 18+ shoppers.’ Except that they have the drag bear right on the front page, front and center, alongside the Easter merchandise,” he shared in a follow-up.