Billionaire Toy Mogul Answers Critics Who Say His Crowdfunding Campaign to Save Toys R Us Is a Stunt

The 64-year-old toy mogul and his rambunctious entourage were not alone; instead they were followed along the worn linoleum floor by a cameraman who captured their every moment.

The object of all this fun and games? A video to promote Larian's "Save Toys R Us" GoFundMe campaign, a long-shot effort to keep open hundreds of the bankrupt chain's stores.

"Toys R Us is like a sick patient on the ICU table, and if you don't operate fast, it's going to die," said Larian, chief executive of Van Nuys-based MGA Entertainment, the maker of the popular Bratz doll.

Last week, Larian announced he was starting a campaign to raise $1bn to save the stores following the chain's decision to liquidate its 735 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico after it could not agree with its creditors on a restructuring plan. The Wayne, N.J., company filed for Chapter 11 protection in September.

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