Due to popular demand, Mattel released an Ava DuVernay Barbie doll to the public today. DuVernay’s likeness was included in a limited edition Barbie "Sheroes" collection earlier this year, but the doll’s manufacturer, Mattel, didn’t plan on widely distributing it until fans of the "Selma" director and Array founder lobbied on social media. DuVernay took to Twitter to thank fans who pushed for #AvaBarbie and to announce that proceeds will go to Color of Change and Witness, a human rights nonprofit that trains people around the world to make videos in support of their human rights.
All my proceeds from #AvaBarbie will be sent from @Mattel to @ColorOfChange + @WitnessOrg. A fun way to support. xo! pic.twitter.com/O4Z5zl5els
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) December 6, 2015
DuVernay also tweeted about the doll’s prompt selling-out at multiple retailers today. As #AvaBarbie trended, both the director and the official Barbie Twitter account reported that the doll was sold out on TheBarbieCollection.com and that it would be available on Amazon soon:
We’re excited to share that the @AVAETC doll sold out on https://t.co/5t20Vu1EOV! It will be available on https://t.co/KFfSt3y80q shortly.
— Barbie (@Barbie) December 7, 2015
Sold out on Barbie collection, I’m told. More available at Amazon. What the hell is going on? #bananas #nuts #whoa https://t.co/xNdWlav3uf
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) December 7, 2015
At press time, the doll’s Amazon.com listing says it’s currently unavailable. DuVernay, clearly a prolific Twitter user, will likely keep us up to date about where and when to get the groundbreaking doll.
(H/t TIME, Huffington Post, Mashable)