Posted on 10/14/2006 7:09:22 PM PDT by LibWhacker
Danish toymaker Lego Group today issued a pre-emptive apology to Muslims around the world for the appearance a second time since spring - via e-mail and on numerous Web sites - of an authentic-looking Lego box showing the prophet Mohammed in a sexually compromising position, company officials said.
"The picture of the box is computer manipulated and in the picture Lego elements are used to depict the Prophet Mohammed in a situation of a sexual nature - with a severely offensive text," Charlotte Simonsen, Lego's head of corporate communications, said in a company statement.
Lego operates its headquarters for North and South America in Enfield.
"The Lego Group wants to stress that there is no such Lego product, and that the company totally condemns the picture and the manner in which someone has made use of the Lego products and brand," Simonsen said.
"The Lego Group does not know the original source of the image which back in spring appeared on some European Web sites," she said. "Possibilities of stopping this use of Lego products and brands are being investigated, and the Lego Group is collaborating with the Danish police in the matter," Simonsen said.
Lego has posted a statement on its Web site, www.lego.com
A spokesman at Lego's Enfield offices could not be reached for immediate comment about possible tightening of security at the complex because of the offensive material. But in a brief phone interview from Denmark today, Simonsen said that Lego has not felt a need to increase security around its properties.
At this point reactions have been mostly disbelief that Lego would ever produce such a product, she said, adding people who have contacted Lego thus far have been understanding.
A cartoon published in a Danish newspaper last February sparked riots and other violence around the world as Muslims vented their anger over images that included one showing a turbaned figure suggesting an Islamic propensity for bombings.
In today's statement, Simonsen said Lego has watched a rising phenomenon in recent years of "artists" making "very creative models," usually promoting positive ideals.
"Other people, however, use our bricks for models that we never can and will support or endorse," she said. Such is the case with the Prophet Mohammed image being circulated around the Internet, Simonsen said.
"We would like to express our sympathy with anyone who is hurt by this. It is not at all in our interest that people are insulted by illustrations made with Lego bricks," she added.
Simonsen went on to say that Lego has no idea who might be behind the offensive image, adding the company has only "very limited legal possibilities" to stop such misuse of its products and images.
"We are, however, working with the Danish police in this recent specific matter," she said.
"We would like to stress that the Lego Group respects human rights and works actively against discrimination based on ethnical background, race, religion, gender, age, disabilities, or sexual orientation," Simonsen concluded.
I like that idea... can someone please ping me when that info is posted? ;-)
Nutmeg we have already determined that FR would need a bigger server to keep a running total. Just the fact you like the idea may cause the members of the religion of piece to put a jihad on you. Libwacker is already on the list and now I am because I laughed at one of his responses.
UH oh.... :-O
ROTFL! It's the only solution!
All you people have made this old war horses day,I was sitting here drinking a beer and smoking my pipe,Going to have to sue you all, you guys made ME blow beer all over my PC. want to Adopt all of you!
We also need to get rid of pencils, pens, and typewriters since people have used those to write bad (=true) things about Muslims. The manufacturers must apologize, too.
I loved this thread yesterday. Here's what I think -- the politicians may be tap-dancing, afraid to speak the Truth about Islamofascists. The world leaders are too. The newspapers too. The MSM Talking Heads too. But We the People are not afraid.
The Freedom Fighters of the Blogosphere will not be silenced. Who are the Muzzies going to kill for urinal stickers? Whose building gets burned and where for this Lego photoshop joke? What embassy will they attack for Boggle-Head Mo? Every day these cartoons and jokes about Mohammed and Islam circulate all over the world, and there is not a thing the Muzzies can do.
The Emperor has no clothes. One person spoke out and the whole world understood.
It gives me great hope.
Now we know where the original came from.
http://www.thebricktestament.com/judges/girls_of_shiloh_abducted/jg21_25.html
I've got some Allah brand to tide you over. Will let you know when I have the MoHAMmed (p:ss be upon him) brand ready...
No? Well, how about that.
You don't suppose this dhimmi apology was spawned by their receiving a few threats of violence from those oh-so-"peaceful" Muslims, do ya?
(Knee-jerk reactions...feh!)
Sorry, I do not subscribe to your definition of "apology." Nor do I know if Lego has ever done anything like this in the past.
Lego issued a press release concerning this one that I'm sure would fall under the new, FR-expanded version of "apology." I don't care to look it up myself.
LOL, you rascal! I've been sitting on that link for weeks waiting for the perfect opportunity to post it. Never occurred to me that THIS was the perfect opportunity. But it is. Thanks, good job! (The only person who deserves more credit is the genius who built it!) :-)
Hey, infidels aren't even allowed to draw (or post) his shadow! A fatwah on you! ;-)
Actually, Joe, if anyone pronounces a fatwah on you, just let me know and I'll pounce on him... We'll see how he likes a fat wop on him.
Ah, but they believe that the world belongs to THEM. You and I are infidel squatters.
Merry Christmas, SAM.
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