Brazil's life-like doll craze goes viral as online videos spark political reaction
A hyper-realistic reborn baby doll lies in an incubator for sale at a store in Campinas, Brazil Saturday, May 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
SAO PAULO — Videos featuring emotional moments with hyper-realistic baby dolls have gone viral in Brazil, sparking both fascination and controversy.
Influencers have staged situations such as birth simulations and strolls in shopping malls with the hand-crafted baby figures, known as 'reborn' dolls, in a trend that has even prompted political reactions.
In Rio de Janeiro, the city council has passed a bill honoring those who make the life-like dolls, pending Mayor Eduardo Paes' signature. Meanwhile, legislators elsewhere across the country have debated fines for those seeking medical help for such dolls, following a viral video allegedly showing a woman taking one to a hospital.
Lawmakers have even brought the dolls into legislative chambers.
On Tuesday, Joao Luiz, a state lawmaker from Amazonas, appeared with a doll at the State House to announce plans to ban reborn dolls from receiving care in the state's public health system. However, local media reported that health authorities had never recorded any such cases.
Last week, congresswoman Talíria Petrone criticized the attention her colleagues were giving to the issue. 'Can we focus on what really matters? If someone wants to have a doll, let them. I have two real children and they're more than enough work,' she said.
Dozens of 'reborn mothers' gathered at Villa Lobos Park, in Sao Paulo, on Saturday for a 10th annual meet-up. Participants say criticism should be aimed at attention-seeking influencers, not the broader community.
The hyper-realistic baby dolls are often used for grief therapy or parenting practice.
Berenice Maria, a nursing assistant and longtime collector who owns eight dolls, says they offer emotional comfort. 'I love reborns, despite the hate we see out there,' she said. 'I want the right to go out with them … go to the mall, go to the park.'
Daniela Baccan, co-owner of a reborn doll shop in Campinas, Sao Paulo, said dolls sell from 700 reais (US$124) to nearly 10,000 reais (nearly $1,800).
With the rising controversy, safety concerns are increasing.
'We're locking up the store more, adding cameras,' Baccan said. 'But at the same time, online demand has increased, and the store is seeing a much higher flow of people.'
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CTV News
3 days ago
- CTV News
Brazil's life-like doll craze goes viral as online videos spark political reaction
A hyper-realistic reborn baby doll lies in an incubator for sale at a store in Campinas, Brazil Saturday, May 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) SAO PAULO — Videos featuring emotional moments with hyper-realistic baby dolls have gone viral in Brazil, sparking both fascination and controversy. Influencers have staged situations such as birth simulations and strolls in shopping malls with the hand-crafted baby figures, known as 'reborn' dolls, in a trend that has even prompted political reactions. In Rio de Janeiro, the city council has passed a bill honoring those who make the life-like dolls, pending Mayor Eduardo Paes' signature. Meanwhile, legislators elsewhere across the country have debated fines for those seeking medical help for such dolls, following a viral video allegedly showing a woman taking one to a hospital. Lawmakers have even brought the dolls into legislative chambers. On Tuesday, Joao Luiz, a state lawmaker from Amazonas, appeared with a doll at the State House to announce plans to ban reborn dolls from receiving care in the state's public health system. However, local media reported that health authorities had never recorded any such cases. Last week, congresswoman Talíria Petrone criticized the attention her colleagues were giving to the issue. 'Can we focus on what really matters? If someone wants to have a doll, let them. I have two real children and they're more than enough work,' she said. Dozens of 'reborn mothers' gathered at Villa Lobos Park, in Sao Paulo, on Saturday for a 10th annual meet-up. Participants say criticism should be aimed at attention-seeking influencers, not the broader community. The hyper-realistic baby dolls are often used for grief therapy or parenting practice. Berenice Maria, a nursing assistant and longtime collector who owns eight dolls, says they offer emotional comfort. 'I love reborns, despite the hate we see out there,' she said. 'I want the right to go out with them … go to the mall, go to the park.' Daniela Baccan, co-owner of a reborn doll shop in Campinas, Sao Paulo, said dolls sell from 700 reais (US$124) to nearly 10,000 reais (nearly $1,800). With the rising controversy, safety concerns are increasing. 'We're locking up the store more, adding cameras,' Baccan said. 'But at the same time, online demand has increased, and the store is seeing a much higher flow of people.'
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Brazil's life-like doll craze goes viral as online videos spark political reaction
Published May 29, 2025 • 2 minute read A group of people watch reborn baby dolls displayed at the store Alana Babys Maternity in Campinas, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on May 16, 2025. Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP via Getty Images SAO PAULO (AP) — Videos featuring emotional moments with hyper-realistic baby dolls have gone viral in Brazil, sparking both fascination and controversy. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Influencers have staged situations such as birth simulations and strolls in shopping malls with the hand-crafted baby figures, known as 'reborn' dolls, in a trend that has even prompted political reactions. In Rio de Janeiro, the city council has passed a bill honoring those who make the life-like dolls, pending Mayor Eduardo Paes' signature. Meanwhile, legislators elsewhere across the country have debated fines for those seeking medical help for such dolls, following a viral video allegedly showing a woman taking one to a hospital. Lawmakers have even brought the dolls into legislative chambers. On Tuesday, Joao Luiz, a state lawmaker from Amazonas, appeared with a doll at the State House to announce plans to ban reborn dolls from receiving care in the state's public health system. However, local media reported that health authorities had never recorded any such cases. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Brazilian shopkeeper Alana Generoso bathes a reborn baby doll at her store Alana Babys Maternity in Campinas, Sao Paulo state, Brazil on May 16, 2025. Reborn babies are hyper-realistic dolls that have unleashed a media, social and even legislative storm in Brazil. Handmade with silicone or vinyl, these dolls, which can cost thousands of dollars, show an astonishing level of detail: veins, tears, saliva. Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP via Getty Images Last week, congresswoman Taliria Petrone criticized the attention her colleagues were giving to the issue. 'Can we focus on what really matters? If someone wants to have a doll, let them. I have two real children and they're more than enough work,' she said. Dozens of 'reborn mothers' gathered at Villa Lobos Park, in Sao Paulo, on Saturday for a 10th annual meet-up. Participants say criticism should be aimed at attention-seeking influencers, not the broader community. The hyper-realistic baby dolls are often used for grief therapy or parenting practice. Berenice Maria, a nursing assistant and longtime collector who owns eight dolls, says they offer emotional comfort. 'I love reborns, despite the hate we see out there,' she said. 'I want the right to go out with them … go to the mall, go to the park.' Daniela Baccan, co-owner of a reborn doll shop in Campinas, Sao Paulo, said dolls sell from 700 reais ($124) to nearly 10,000 reais (nearly $1,800). With the rising controversy, safety concerns are increasing. 'We're locking up the store more, adding cameras,' Baccan said. 'But at the same time, online demand has increased, and the store is seeing a much higher flow of people.' Toronto Maple Leafs World Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto & GTA Weird
CTV News
5 days ago
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Brazilian nuns go viral after beatboxing on Catholic TV
Two Brazilian nuns have gone viral after dropping an impromptu beatbox and dance session. SAO PAULO — Two Brazilian nuns have gone viral after dropping an impromptu beatbox and dance session during a Catholic television program. Sisters Marizele Cassiano and Marisa de Paula, members of the 'Copiosa Redenção' congregation, were talking about a vocational retreat on Brazil's Pai Eterno — Eternal Father — TV channel when they brought up a song about being called to the religious life. The duo stood up and launched into a routine complete with singing, beatbox and dance moves. Then the presenter, Deacon Giovani Bastos, joined in, matching Sister de Paula's moves in a performance that's now been seen by millions on social media in Brazil and abroad. 'That moment was very spontaneous, because with Sister Marisa, if you start a beat, she will dance. And I'm used to singing, to beatboxing, so for us it was very simple, spontaneous and at the same time very surprising to see that it went viral even outside Brazil,' Sister Marizele Cassiano, beatboxing nun, told The Associated Sisters are dedicated to young people who are struggling with drug addiction. They say music has been a powerful tool to help those in need. 'Beatboxing, dancing, and the songs itself, are tools that God uses to reach the hearts of the people we work with. And it works! It's beautiful to see,' said Sister Marizele Cassiano. While Sister Marisa has no Instagram account, Sister Marizele has surpassed 100,000 followers since her beatboxing went viral. The sisters also work as vocation promoters, organizing retreats for women interested in pursuing a religious career. Tatiana Pollastri, The Associated Press
