Fans compare Labubu with demonic statue of the Simpsons' Pazuzu

While the world has embraced the Labubu craze with enthusiasm, the viral toy hasn’t come without controversy. As much as it is adored, many critics have voiced concern over its eerie appearance and supposedly “demonic” energy, urging people to avoid buying it altogether.

Where did the Labubu craze begin?

Labubu is a fictional character created by Hong Kong-based artist Ka-sing Ling and introduced in 2019 as part of Chinese company PopMart’s “The Monsters” series.

Interestingly, the word Labubu has no literal meaning. However, its unusual appearance, with oversized eyes, pointed ears, a wide nine-toothed grin, and soft plush body, has attracted fans globally. While many find it endearing, others describe it as unsettling and "not-so-pretty."

One of the biggest selling points of Labubu toys is that they are sold in “blind boxes”—buyers don’t know which figure they’re getting until they open it. This element of surprise has led to repeated purchases and intense collecting.

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Labubu's global fame skyrocketed in April 2024, when Blackpink singer Lisa shared photos with the toy on Instagram. Soon after, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and even David Beckham jumped on the trend, further fueling its popularity.

Who makes Labubu?

Pop Mart, the company behind Labubu, started as a small store in Beijing in 2010. It gained popularity after launching blind boxes and ‘Molly’ dolls in 2016, but the real turning point came with Labubu. In 2020, PopMart went public, and its stock surged by more than 500%.

Its CEO, Wang Ning, saw his fortune soar to $22.7 billion, making him one of China’s richest individuals. In 2024 alone, Pop Mart’s revenue rose by 188%, with total sales reaching $1.8 billion. The company now operates over 2,000 vending machines across more than 30 countries, allowing customers to buy their favorite figures on the go.

Affordable and addictive

One reason for Labubu’s massive appeal is its price. A typical figure costs around $6.95 USD (or £5.12 GBP), about PKR 1,950 to 2,100 at current exchange rates. This makes it accessible to children, teens, and even adults, many of whom are now avid collectors.

Social media has also played a key role. Millions watch unboxing videos of Labubu figures on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Is Labubu demonic?

As Labubu’s popularity grew, so did conspiracy theories. A viral comparison has emerged between Labubu and a doll featured in The Simpsons' 2017 Treehouse of Horror XXVIII episode, Pazuzu, a sinister ancient Mesopotamian figure that causes chaos in the Simpson household.

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Motivational speaker Walter Daniels shared a clip from the episode, where Homer receives a creepy black doll. Strange and spooky events soon follow, and Homer falls under the doll’s dark influence.

Online users have drawn parallels between Pazuzu and Labubu, pointing to their unsettling grins, sharp teeth, and odd energy, suggesting that Labubu might carry similar malevolent traits.

Pop Mart's bizarre response to Labubu conspiracies

As the conspiracy theories intensified, Pop Mart US responded via Instagram, though many believed their tone was sarcastic or satirical.

The post urged customers to report any Labubu dolls “behaving strangely.” It jokingly claimed that some customers had complained about their figures shifting positions, turning heads, and hearing “mysterious whispers.”

It even warned owners not to confront their dolls if they start moving or speaking, and advised, “Just run.”

Many people mocked the post in the comments, suggesting that April Fool’s Day was still far off as the post was shared on March 31 2024.

However, others continue to insist that the toy gives off negative vibes and urged people to stop buying it. Despite the growing unease and online rumors, there is no official evidence linking Labubu toys to any real-life supernatural activity.