Ruth Handler: Sex Toys, Financial Crimes and the Origin of Barbie

Key Points:

• Ruth Handler, the woman behind Barbie, had a controversial personal life.
• She was involved in creating and marketing sex toys before starting her iconic doll business.
• Handler and her husband faced financial crimes charges related to their company Mattel.
• Contrary to popular belief, Handler’s daughter wasn’t the inspiration for Barbie, but rather a German doll named Bild Lilli.

The Controversial Life of Ruth Handler:

In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed that Ruth Handler, the mastermind behind the iconic Barbie doll, had a rather controversial personal life. It turns out that before venturing into the world of dolls, Handler was involved in the creation and marketing of sex toys. Now that’s a business venture you don’t often associate with Barbie!

Financial Crimes and Mattel:

But the controversies don’t stop there. Handler and her husband, Elliot Handler, also faced charges of financial crimes related to their company Mattel. It seems that the doll business wasn’t all fun and games for the Handlers. While the details of their crimes remain murky, it’s safe to say that Barbie’s origin story is far from squeaky-clean.

The Truth About Barbie’s Inspiration:

Contrary to popular belief, Barbie wasn’t inspired by Handler’s own daughter. Instead, Handler drew inspiration from a German doll named Bild Lilli, which was initially marketed as an adult novelty item. With some modifications, Handler transformed Lilli into the beloved Barbie doll we know today. This revelation definitely adds a whole new layer of complexity to Barbie’s history.

Author’s Hot Take:

Ruth Handler’s colorful personal life and controversial background make Barbie’s success story even more intriguing. The unexpected journey from sex toys to financial crimes certainly gives a whole new perspective on the origin of this iconic doll. Barbie has traveled a long way, and her story is far from the picture-perfect fantasy world she resides in. #BarbiesSecrets #FromToysToCrimes