Local company behind ‘racially insensitive' Ortiz bobblehead

BOSTON — A local merchandise manufacturer is under fire for making what some are calling a "racially insensitive" bobblehead.

On Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox canceled a David Ortiz bobblehead promotion night when the figurine turned out to be "racially insensitive," said team president Sam Kennedy.

The bobbleheads were made by BDA, Inc., a company based in Woodinville.

Kennedy saw the final version of the bobblehead for the first time Tuesday afternoon after they were delivered.

"My two immediate reactions were first, it was a really inaccurate portrayal of what he looks like," Kennedy told The Associated Press. "My personal reaction was it was offensive and, to me, kind of appeared racially insensitive. I just had a bad reaction."

The Red Sox tweeted a picture Monday of the bobblehead slated to be given out, but the toys apparently turned out different than planned.

Some Twitter users shared a picture of a bobblehead Tuesday morning, claiming it was the actual figurine that was to be given out.

The bobbleheads were packed back up and sent out of Fenway on a truck Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement tweeted Tuesday, the Red Sox said, "we will be issuing new David Ortiz bobbleheads to all ticketed fans at a later date."

BDA, Inc. released a statement to KIRO 7 regarding the bobbleheads:

<em>"We value our decades-long relationship with the Red Sox organization and its decision to postpone Tuesday's David Ortiz bobblehead giveaway. We're currently working closely with the Red Sox to ensure the team and its fans receive a quality product."  </em>

The Associated Press and FOX25 contributed to this report. 

Cox Media Group