What Is The Labubu Controversy?

Labubu dolls—the quirky, elf-like figures created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung—have become one of the most controversial toy trends in recent years. What began as collectible art toys has spiraled into government bans, supernatural panic, and cultural debates worldwide.

 More:  Which Celebrities Have Labubu?

What Are Labubu Dolls?

• Creator: Designed by artist Kasing Lung, produced by Chinese toy company Pop Mart
• Design: Playful, mischievous creatures with exaggerated teeth and expressive faces
• Sales Model: Sold through "blind boxes" (mystery packaging), driving collector hype
• Celebrity Fans: Spotted with stars like Rihanna and BLACKPINK's Lisa

 More:  How to tell between real and fake Labubu?

Why Labubu Dolls Became Controversial

1. The "Demonic" Panic

A viral social media post compared Labubu to Pazuzu, an ancient Mesopotamian demon. This sparked claims that the dolls carried "dark energy" or could "attract evil spirits," leading to videos of people burning their dolls in "cleansing" rituals. Experts confirm the design is actually inspired by Nordic folklore.

2. Government Bans & Seizures

Several countries took action against Labubu dolls:

• Russia: Proposed ban calling them "terrifying" for children
• Iraqi Kurdistan: Confiscated 4,000 dolls citing "demonic influence"
• Indonesia: Religious groups declared them "haram" (forbidden)

No scientific evidence supports claims of psychological harm.

3. Counterfeit Doll Safety Risks

The popularity led to dangerous knockoffs called "Lafufu" dolls flooding markets. These fakes often contained:

• Flammable fabrics
• Lead paint
• Choking hazards from poorly secured parts

4. Cultural & Religious Debates

In Singapore, a Buddhist temple used Labubu dolls to attract younger visitors during a festival. While some praised the modern approach, others called it disrespectful to tradition.

 More:  Is Labubu A Designer Toy?

Why This Controversy Matters

The Labubu phenomenon highlights how:

• Internet rumors can spiral into real-world panic
• Cultural differences shape perceptions of art and toys
• Collector hype (like blind boxes) can lead to safety issues

For collectors, Labubu remains a fun art toy. For critics, it represents concerns about globalization and cultural values. As Pop Mart expands worldwide, these debates will likely continue evolving.

Looking for authentic Labubu collectibles? Always purchase from authorized retailers to avoid counterfeit safety risks.