Bastian Schweinsteiger to sue toy company over Nazi doll called 'Bastian'

[Schweinsteiger]

Bastian Schweinsteiger to sue toy company over Nazi doll called 'Bastian'

Toy soldier complete with swastika-emblazoned uniform bares incredible likeness to the German midfielder

Manufacturers have called any likeness 'purely coincidental' <-- my foot! :oIo:

By Callum Davis
11:49AM BST 22 Oct 2015

Bastian Schweinsteiger is suing a Chinese toy-maker for producing a Nazi doll called 'Bastian'.

The toys, which are due for European release this week, depict a Wehrmacht soldier, complete with Nazi insignia on the soldier's hat.

The Manchester United midfielder is understood to have contacted his lawyers regarding the dolls, which bear an undeniable likeness to the German international.

A poster promoting the release of the new 'Bastian' range of toy soldiers

The manufacturers responsible for producing the dolls have defended the dolls, calling any perceived likeness 'purely coincidental'.

German newspaper Bild have condemned the toy, with a headline covering the story reading: "Our football hero Bastian Schweinsteiger as a Nazi soldier!"

Bild contacted a representative of the company behind the Bastian range of toys, who dismissed the suggestion the model was based on the Germany captain.

The doll is advertised in a variety of military contexts

"We offer no figures based on the football. The resemblance is purely coincidental," insisted 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 added.

Bastian Schweinsteiger's representatives have so far declined to comment on any action they plan to take, but sources from within Bild insist Schweinsteiger has begun legal proceedings.

Schweinsteiger is the current captain of the German national side

Media lawyer Ulrich Amelung spoke told German newspaper Bild on whether Schweinsteiger had any grounds to sue the toy company over the range of dolls.

"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."

 

[Schweinsteiger]

Bastian Schweinsteiger-lookalike Nazi doll still on Hong Kong-based company website, despite threat of lawsuit

PUBLISHED : Saturday, 24 October, 2015, 7:01am
UPDATED : Sunday, 25 October, 2015, 1:29pm

Lai Ying-kit
[email protected]

An image of the Nazi soldier doll, produced by a Hong Kong-based manufacturer, that is claimed to resemble German soccer star Bastian Schweinsteiger

Images of a Nazi soldier doll that bears a striking resemblance to Manchester United footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger remained on the website of its Hong Kong-based manufacturer on Friday, despite a looming lawsuit.

The captain of the German national team is reported to be taking legal action to force Dream in Dragon (DiD) Corporation to pull sales of the 30cm figurine in Europe.

The toy is named “Bastian” and is kitted out in a second world war German military uniform, including the Nazi swastika and eagle.

Some 63 photos – including 35 in which the face can be clearly seen – remained on the landing page of DiD Corporation’s website, alongside models of historical figures such as Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin.

The Bastian toy doll comes in several outfits, including a white winter jacket, the more typical grey army uniform and accessories such as containers for food rations.

German media reported earlier that Schweinsteiger’s lawyers had begun proceedings to prevent sales of the toys, which cost around £78 (HK$958). A media lawyer told German daily Bild that Schweinsteiger had a strong case.

“This is a clear violation of Schweinsteiger’s personal rights. Every person has the right to their own image. Furthermore the depiction of a swastika-wearing Wehrmacht soldier constitutes gross defamation and offence,” he said.

A spokesman for DiD earlier told German media that the facial resemblance was “pure coincidence”.

“We thought that all Germans looked like that. Bastian is also a very common name in Germany,” spokesman Patrick Chan was quoted as saying.

According to information on its website, DiD was established in 2003 and has factories in southern China. Its catalogue includes military figures based on soldiers from the Napoleonic wars, as well as from the first and second world wars.

Schweinsteiger left German league champions Bayern Munich to join Manchester United on a three-year deal in July for a reported £6.5 million. He was named Germany captain after Bayern teammate Philipp Lahm’s retirement from the national team after winning the World Cup last year.