Imagine saying 'no' and losing over Rs 50 lakh: When a rare Labubu toy unleashed child's destructive side in influencer's home

Economic Times

10 hours ago

It started as an ordinary family visit in South China, and ended with smashed glass, a shattered chandelier, and a $56,000 bill.
A popular South China influencer, known online as Little Azheng or Tail Brother, shared his nightmare on social media after a young relative's child came over. The boy spotted a rare Labubu doll in his home, beautifully decorated with jewellery, and demanded it. When told 'no', the child burst into tears, threw a tantrum, and then went into full destruction mode.
According to the South China Morning Post, the boy grabbed a remote control and hurled it upwards, smashing a mirror-glass ceiling worth 100,000 yuan ($14,000). Not stopping there, he also damaged an Italian crystal chandelier worth a jaw-dropping 300,000 yuan ($42,000).Photos posted online showed the living room floor covered in glass shards, with the once-grand chandelier lying in pieces. 'The ceiling alone needs all glass panels removed and replaced,' the influencer explained. Shockingly, the child showed no hint of regret.The boy's parents reportedly pleaded with the influencer to 'let it go' to protect the child's feelings. Claiming they were too poor to cover the damage, they offered just 20,000 yuan ($2,800) in two instalments. 'Even if we sell everything, that's all we can pay,' they said.
Reluctantly, Little Azheng accepted the offer, later commenting, 'Elders love using family ties as emotional blackmail. It's incredibly over the line.'Labubu dolls have taken China, and the world, by storm. Collectors are willing to pay huge sums for rare pieces, with one figure selling for over one million yuan ($140,000) at a Beijing auction in June. Owning one is a status symbol; losing one (or smashing the room it's in) comes at a hefty price. Inputs from agencies