It's a story that's likely showing up in your social media feed -- controversy now surrounds a design on a toy sold at Monster Jam.
A Bay area mom says she bought the plush toy and noticed what some are calling a pedophile symbol. But the hoax watchdog website Snopes says the claims aren't true.
The site points to an FBI document that shows the designs are used to symbolize relationships between adults and minors.
Snopes says while the double heart symbol on the toy might look similar to one used by pedophiles, it doesn't mark children for abuse.
10News WTSP reached out to Palmetto-based Feld Entertainment, the company behind Monster Jam, and it sent this statement:
"On Tuesday, March 8th, when the issue with the Monster Jam toy was brought to the company’s attention by a customer who purchased it at a recent Monster Jam event, we immediately pulled this item from inventory and will no longer sell it. In addition, any customers who have purchased this truck can contact our Customer Service Department for an exchange or refund.
"The company was not aware of the disturbing message contained in the truck’s design, nor did we intend to use any design that had a secret or double meaning. We are currently reviewing our merchandise to ensure that it's appropriate for our customers.
"Feld Entertainment is committed to providing a safe and family-friendly environment at all our shows and through our consumer products. We take this very seriously and are taking steps to ensure that an incident like this never happens again."
The group quickly pulled the item from inventory and will no longer sell it. Customers can get an exchange or refund by contacting customer service.
