You’ve seen them everywhere—adorable, mischievous little monsters with pointed ears and a signature toothy grin. They dangle from celebrity handbags, fill unboxing videos, and spark joy in collectors worldwide. Labubu has undoubtedly taken the world by storm.
But alongside the cute photos and happy hauls, a different kind of story has emerged. Scroll through social media, and you might encounter alarming questions: Are Labubu dolls bad? Are they haunted? Are they connected to demons?
As a long-time collector who has watched this community grow, I’ve seen these rumors surface and spread. It’s important to address them—not with fear, but with facts, context, and a clear understanding of what Labubu truly is. Let’s explore the myths and truths behind the trend.
Introduction to Labubu Dolls
Before we dive into the controversy, let’s remember what Labubu actually is.
Labubu is a fictional elf character created in 2015 by the Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. She is part of his storybook series, "The Monsters," which was inspired by the Nordic folklore he encountered while growing up in the Netherlands. The characters—Labubu, Zimomo, Mokoko, and others—are products of artistic imagination, designed to tell stories and evoke emotion.
In 2019, Lung partnered with the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, which began producing Labubu as collectible figures and plush pendants, often sold in the famous "blind boxes." The rest is history: Labubu became a global phenomenon, beloved for her unique blend of cute and mischievous.
That’s the official story. So where do the darker rumors come from?
The Labubu Controversy: Where Did the Rumors Start?
Overview of the Origin
The most prominent rumor links Labubu to the ancient Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu. If you search for "labubu controversy" or "labubu doll conspiracy," you’ll find claims that Labubu’s appearance—with her pointed ears, serious expression in some figures, and sharp teeth—resembles ancient depictions of this demon.
This comparison, which began as speculation on social media, quickly snowballed. Videos and posts asked, "Is Labubu actually Pazuzu in disguise?" and "Are collectors unknowingly inviting dark forces into their homes?" The rumor tapped into a long-standing human fascination with the idea that seemingly innocent objects could be "cursed" or "possessed."
Recent Concerns and Claims
As the rumors grew, so did the questions. People began asking:
Are Labubu dolls haunted? Some claimed to feel "off" energies around their dolls.
Is Labubu cursed? Others wondered if owning one could bring bad luck.
Are lafufus demonic? The rumor even extended to counterfeit dolls, suggesting that fakes might carry negative spiritual energy.
These claims spread rapidly on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, where speculation often outpaces facts. But what’s the truth behind them?
Are Labubu Dolls Haunted? Examining the Evidence
Stories from Owners
A quick search online will reveal anecdotal stories from people who claim their Labubu dolls feel "strange" or "unsettling." Some report nightmares after acquiring one. Others say they sense a "presence" in the room.
It’s important to acknowledge these feelings without judgment. People experience the world in different ways, and a doll’s intense gaze or unique design can sometimes trigger unease—especially if you’ve already heard rumors that it might be "bad."
Psychological Perspectives
From a psychological standpoint, there’s a well-documented phenomenon called "agent detection." Humans are wired to see patterns and intentions, even in inanimate objects. This is why we sometimes feel like a doll is "watching" us.
When you combine this natural tendency with suggestive rumors—like the Pazuzu connection—it’s easy for the mind to create a narrative of unease. The doll itself hasn’t changed; your perception of it has, influenced by stories you’ve encountered.
There is no scientific evidence that any mass-produced toy, including Labubu, can be "haunted" or "possessed." These are concepts from folklore and horror fiction, not documented reality.
The Labubu Doll Conspiracy: How Rumors Spread
Social Media Impact
The internet thrives on engaging content, and few things are more engaging than a mystery. The Labubu doll conspiracy gained traction because it’s a compelling story: a cute, innocent-looking toy might actually be something dark and ancient.
Platforms like TikTok, with their short-form video format, are perfect for spreading such rumors. A user can show a Labubu doll next to an image of Pazuzu, add dramatic music, and ask "Coincidence? I think not!"—and the video goes viral. Viewers share it, comment on it, and the speculation grows.
Influencers and Public Perception
When influencers with large followings comment on these rumors—even skeptically—it amplifies the discussion. Suddenly, millions of people are asking, "Wait, is there something to this?" The question itself, repeated often enough, starts to feel like a possibility.
This doesn’t mean influencers are malicious. It simply shows how easily information (and misinformation) spreads in the digital age. A rumor that might have stayed in a small community a few decades ago can now circle the globe in days.
Is Labubu Cursed? Cultural and Expert Perspectives
Cultural Interpretation of Good and Evil
The idea that an object can be "cursed" or "bad" is deeply cultural. Many societies have traditions of lucky charms, evil eyes, and protective talismans. In some belief systems, objects can indeed carry spiritual weight.
However, it’s crucial to distinguish between an object’s intended meaning and the meaning projected onto it by others. Labubu was created as a piece of art, inspired by folklore, not as a spiritual or ritual object. Any "curse" associated with it comes from outside narratives, not from the creator’s intent or the doll’s inherent nature.
Expert Opinions
Fact-checking organizations and cultural commentators have weighed in on this topic. Snopes, a well-known fact-checking site, has investigated the Labubu-Pazuzu connection and found no evidence to support it. The resemblance is superficial at best, and there is no historical or cultural link between the two.
Religious leaders and theologians who have commented on the trend generally advise discernment. They remind believers that their faith is more powerful than any object, and that a doll made of fabric and plastic has no spiritual power unless one chooses to give it such power.
Are Lafufus Demonic? Separating Fact from Fiction
Interestingly, some rumors have even extended to counterfeit Labubus, or "Lafufus." The claim? That fake dolls might be "demonic" because they are unauthorized and therefore somehow "dark."
This is an example of how rumors can build on themselves. If real Labubus are rumored to be connected to Pazuzu, then perhaps fakes—being outside official channels—are even worse. But again, there is no basis for this. A Lafufu is simply a poorly made counterfeit product, not a spiritual vessel.
Examining the Mythology
The Pazuzu connection itself deserves a closer look. Pazuzu was a figure in ancient Mesopotamian religion, often depicted as a protective demon who could ward off other, more harmful spirits. Yes, he had a frightening appearance, but his role was complex. He wasn’t simply "evil."
Modern pop culture, particularly The Exorcist, has simplified Pazuzu into a symbol of pure evil. This modern interpretation, not the historical reality, is what people are unknowingly projecting onto Labubu.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Labubu Dolls
So, after examining the evidence, let’s return to the central question: Are Labubu dolls bad?
Based on all available information—the artist’s intent, the cultural context, and the lack of any credible evidence—the answer is no. Labubu is a fictional character, a work of art, and a collectible toy. She was created to bring joy, not to cause harm. The rumors linking her to demons, curses, or evil are unfounded and based on superficial visual similarities and internet speculation.
That said, we must respect that people have different beliefs and sensitivities. If someone feels uncomfortable with Labubu for personal or religious reasons, that feeling is valid for them. For the millions of collectors worldwide, however, Labubu remains a beloved companion—a little monster with a big, mischievous heart.
Encouragement for Personal Reflection
If you’re a collector who has felt uneasy due to these rumors, I encourage you to do your own research. Learn about Kasing Lung and his artistic vision. Read the fact-checks. Talk to other collectors about their positive experiences. And most importantly, reflect on your own relationship with your collection.
Do your Labubus bring you joy? Do they spark creativity and connection? For the vast majority of us, the answer is a resounding yes. And that, ultimately, is what matters.
Happy collecting, and may your monsters always bring more smiles than scares.
