Manchester United star Bastian Schweinsteiger has decided to sue a Chinese toy-maker company for selling a Nazi doll in their WWII collection, named ‘Bastian’.
The toys, which were released in Europe earlier this month, depict a Wehrmacht soldier, complete with Nazi insignia on the soldier’s hat and the soldier just looks like Schweinsteiger.
image courtesy: Google
The German midfielder is reportedly has reached out to his lawyers regarding the controversial dolls, which bear an undeniable likeness to the German international.
image courtesy: Google
However, the manufacturers, who produced the dolls have defended the dolls already, calling any perceived likeness is “purely coincidental”.
German media outlet Bild have heavily criticised the toy-makers, with a satire headline covering the report reading: “Our football hero Bastian Schweinsteiger as a Nazi soldier!”
image courtesy: Google
Bild also contacted a representative of the Chinese company who are responsible for making the Bastian range of toys but the company allegedly dismissed the suggestion that the German soldier model was based on the Germany international.
image courtesy: Google
“We offer no figures based on the football. The resemblance is purely coincidental,” assured company spokesman, Patrick Chan.
“The figure is based on a typical German. We believe most Germans look like this. Bastian is a common name in Germany,” he further said.
Bastian Schweinsteiger’s representatives have till now declined to comment on any legal action they are planning to take, but sources close to Schweinsteiger insist, he has already begun legal proceedings.
image courtesy: Google
Media lawyer Ulrich Amelung clarified when speaking to German newspaper Bild on whether Schweinsteiger had any grounds to sue the toy-makers over the range of Nazi dolls that look like him.
“This is a clear violation of the rights of Schweinsteiger. The portrayal of him wearing a swastika uniform is a clear case of defamation and insult.”
But the manufacturers strongly insist on the coincidence. Good luck to them convincing the judge about it!