Danish toymaker Lego stressed its long-standing apolitical policy of not endorsing the use of the iconic blocks for political purposes on Tuesday, after Chinese artist Ai Weiwei posted photos on his Instagram account depicting 43 political activists made from Lego bricks, according to a Global Times report.
Lego's senior director of corporate communications Charlotte Simonsen refused to comment on Ai's Instagram posts in an email sent to the Global Times on Tuesday, citing the company's apolitical "principle." However, she made it clear that "anyone can purchase LEGO bricks in toy stores or in other ways and use them for any purpose they desire."
The images on Ai's Instagram account depicted political activists like Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Each of the pictures was accompanied by a detailed account of the activist's life story.
On Oct. 24, Ai attacked Lego on his Instagram account, saying that the Danish toy manufacturer had committed "an act of censorship and discrimination" when it refused to sell him a bulk order for political reasons.
"We refrain--on a global level--from actively engaging in or endorsing the use of Lego bricks in projects or contexts of a political agenda. This principle is not new, but has been in place for decades," said Simonsen.
Simonsen explained that the company has to decline requests for donation or support for projects "where we are made aware there is a political context."
"We respect any individual's right to free creative expression, and we neither can nor wish to censor, prohibit or ban the creative use of Lego bricks by any individual, be it a child, fan or artist," wrote Simonsen.
According to a report by the Guardian, there has been no precedence for Lego to refuse a bulk order on political grounds.
Netizens have been quick to take sides on the issue, with some pointing out that Ai has the right to order in bulk just like anybody else. Still others have pointed out that Lego has the privilege to refuse sale, and Ai can always buy Lego from toy stores.
Some netizens have also pointed out a possible connection between Lego's refusal and its current relationship with China.
Shortly after denying the bulk order, it was announced that a Legoland theme park would open in Shanghai. The company has also invested in a new manufacturing facility in Jiaxing.