Caylee doll sales suspended; voodoo dolls of mom on eBay

MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Jacksonville, Fla., company that planned to sell a doll inspired by slain Florida 2-year-old Caylee Marie Anthony said Tuesday it was suspending its launch of the product after a wave of criticism.

But a different product — voodoo dolls crafted by a New Orleans artist of the person suspected of killing Caylee, her 22-year-old mother, Casey Anthony — were drawing bidders on eBay.

Showbiz Promotions came under fire earlier this week after announcing it would sell the blond, 18-inch “Inspirational Caylee Sunshine Doll” for $29.99. The doll plays the song “You Are My Sunshine” when her bellybutton is pushed.

The lawyer representing Caylee’s grandparents, George and Cindy Anthony, former Trumbull County, Ohio, residents, said he was thankful for the media attention and public opposition, which “forced them into pulling it, because they wouldn’t have done it by themselves.”

“I think that it’s another perfect example of individuals out there with no level of decency that prevents them from trying to profit from this little girl’s death,” attorney Brad Conway said.

Three Anthony voodoo dolls made by a New Orleans artist were on sale, with bids starting at $19.99 and $29.99, respectively. But by Tuesday evening, the top bid on one of those dolls had jumped to $61. That doll is accompanied by handcuffs, a Bible and white sunglasses, according to the description.

Conway said he hopes to know by Thursday, if not sooner, where and when the Anthonys will hold a public memorial service for Caylee.