WARSAW, Poland – A Roman Catholic priest has touched off a controversy in Poland after news media quoted him describing toys like LEGO's Monster Fighters as tools of Satan that lead children to the "dark side."
The Super Express tabloid quoted the Rev. Slawomir Kostrzewa urging parents to dump the LEGO series and those of several other firms. The remarks at a Sunday service in the town of Wolsztyn touched off discussion in predominantly Catholic Poland, which holds priests in high esteem.
Mainstream newspapers seized on the report, as did state radio. Parents took to Twitter to mock him.
In remarks Friday to The Associated Press, Kostrzewa denied having referred to Satan, but insists the toys are scary, undermining harmony and security.
LEGO spokesman Roar Trangbaek insists the toys are fun and playful.