At the special time of 7.00pm tonight, 60 Minutes will air a Channel 4 hidden camera investigation examining troubling conditions inside Mattel’s overseas factories, where Barbie’s billion-dollar brand is brought to life.
Originally broadcast in the UK on current affairs program Dispatches in October 2024, the special casts a shadow over Barbie’s polished image, raising questions about the treatment of workers behind the iconic doll.
Nine is airing the investigation under the 60 Minutes banner during the Easter non-ratings period, ahead of the networks’ post-holiday reality TV rollouts in a week’s time.
From Nine:
THIS WEEK ON 60 MINUTES – BARBIE’S DIRTY SECRETS
Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, but everyone knows her simply as Barbie, the world’s most iconic fashion doll. She’s been around since 1959 and just gets better with age.
In fact, the last few years have been Barbie’s best ever. A blockbuster movie and a makeover by toy manufacturer Mattel has not only turned her into a lauded 21st century feminist, it has transformed her into a multi-billion-dollar brand.
However, it has now emerged that there’s a dark side to Barbie’s glittering success. In this hidden camera investigation, award-winning reporter Isobel Yeung from Britain’s Channel 4 exposes what really goes on in Mattel’s Chinese factories where the famous doll is produced.
Reported by Isobel Yeung and Produced by Alasdair Glennie.
