Latest news with #LabubuDoll
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Labubu or Pazuzu? The truth behind Pop Mart's viral demon toy panic and billion-dollar backlash
Source: Reddit Labubu dolls have taken the world by storm from celebrity shelves to Wimbledon sightings. But a recent viral claim linking these adorable toys to the ancient demon Pazuzu has triggered fear and confusion online. Are Labubus just mischief-filled toys—or something sinister? The controversy began with a viral Instagram post and snowballed into a conspiracy theory that's seen fans destroy their dolls. But what is the truth behind this internet sensation? Let's explore the origins of Labubu dolls, the Pazuzu myth, and what the creators have to say about the now-global phenomenon that's driving Pop Mart's billion-dollar success. Labubu doll sparks panic after viral demon Pazuzu comparison The controversy began when an Instagram user posted a video featuring a brown Labubu doll beside an image of Pazuzu, warning users: 'Do not buy this demonic toy for your children or yourself!' This post gained traction as the video included a clip from The Simpsons (Season 29, Episode 4), where Marge buys what she thinks is a pizza-themed figurine, only to unwittingly gift her baby a Pazuzu demon toy, which causes possession. The video text read: 'Parents: do not buy this toy for your kids.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo This pop culture reference sparked panic, fueling widespread misinformation about the origins of Labubu dolls. Labubu Doll's true story: From European fairy tales to Pop Mart collectibles Contrary to online rumors, Labubu dolls were created in 2015 by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-born cartoonist. Inspired by European fairy tales from his childhood in the Netherlands, Lung introduced Labubu as part of his illustrated book series titled The Monsters. In his interview with CGTN Europe, Lung revealed that Labubu lives in his soul, and the character was never intended to be evil. In the stories, Labubus are elf-like, female creatures who appear mischievous but have kind hearts. In 2019, Lung partnered with China-based Pop Mart to turn these fantasy characters into collectible toys, which rapidly gained popularity due to their quirky looks and blind box packaging format. Labubu Doll vs Pazuzu: Viral demon theory debunked by experts The viral conspiracy ties Labubu to Pazuzu, a mythological demon from ancient Mesopotamia, known primarily through his appearance in The Exorcist. He is typically depicted with wings, bulging eyes, a serpent-headed phallus, and claws. However, fact-checking site debunked the resemblance, stating the dolls look nothing like Pazuzu. Even Britannica notes that Pazuzu was often considered a protective figure in mythology, used in amulets to ward off evil rather than embody it. There is, as of now, no credible evidence linking Labubu's design to any demon, ancient or fictional. Artist Kasing Lung has not publicly addressed the demon-linked rumors, but his past interviews consistently point to fairy tales and childhood nostalgia as the primary inspirations behind the Labubu character. Pop Mart, the brand behind the toy's mass production, describes the dolls as having 'mischievous but kind' personalities. There's no indication of dark origins or occult references in either Lung's work or Pop Mart's official branding. Pop mart and Labubu's billion-dollar success story Despite the controversy, Labubu's popularity has only grown. Thanks to Pop Mart's blind box strategy, the toy has become a global sensation, particularly among Gen Z and millennial collectors. In 2025, Labubu dolls generated nearly $400 million in revenue. This skyrocketing success helped Wang Ning, founder of Pop Mart, become one of China's youngest billionaires, with a net worth of $22.7 billion. Labubu's fanbase now includes global celebrities such as Rihanna and BLACKPINK's Lisa, further fueling its cultural relevance. Experts say Labubu dolls have 'no link' to Pazuzu The claim that Labubu dolls are linked to Pazuzu is unfounded and lacks any factual basis. What started as a social media scare has been widely debunked by experts, with mythological and pop culture sources offering clarity. Rather than symbols of darkness, Labubus are the result of artistic imagination rooted in folklore and storytelling. Their growing success shows that despite online rumors, fans continue to embrace these quirky collectibles for what they truly are: mischievous, magical, and undeniably marketable. Labubu doll vs demon Pazuzu FAQs What is the Labubu doll and why is it popular? Labubu is a character created by artist Kasing Lung as part of The Monsters book series. The dolls became globally popular for their unique look, limited editions, and celebrity endorsements. Why are people linking Labubu to the demon Pazuzu? A viral video falsely linked the doll to the ancient demon Pazuzu due to visual similarities. However, no real connection exists. Has the creator responded to the claims? Kasing Lung has not responded directly, but his previous interviews confirm the character stems from childhood imagination and fairy tales, not from demonic influence. Also Read | Dolly Chaiwala opens franchise, expands across India from viral street stall in Nagpur; netizens reacts, 'Education is scam in India'
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Are Labubu dolls evil? Here's why viral toy is being linked to demon Pazuzu
You must be living under a rock if you haven't heard about Labubus. From Wimbledon to being a celeb favorite, the craze is real. But are the dolls cute or evil? A now-viral post has claimed that Labubu dolls were linked to the ancient demon Pazuzu. According to Prime Timer, it all began when an Instagram user posted a video featuring the brown Labubu doll next to a demon. The warning: 'Do not buy this demonic toy for your children or yourself!!' Labubus dolls were created by artist Kasing Lung in 2015(Bloomberg) A few seconds into the video, we get a glimpse of The Simpsons (season 29, episode 4). Here, Marge buys a Pazuzu figure, thinking it's pizza. She then gives it to her baby, who ends up possessed. The text attached to this video read, 'Parents: do not buy this toy for your kids.' What's the truth behind Labubu Doll? The theory picked up speed with some fans destroying their dolls. However, there is no proof that Labubu is evil or connected to demons. Labubu was created by cartoonist Kasing Lung in 2015 as part of his book series The Monsters. He explained in an interview with CGTN Europe that his characters were inspired by the European fairy tales he read as a child after moving to the Netherlands. Lung added, Labubu is in his 'soul.' In the books, Labubus are female elf-like creatures with mischievous looks but good hearts. Lung partnered with China-based Pop Mart in 2019 to turn them into toys. Pop Mart says the toys may look 'mischievous,' but they are actually 'kind' and helpful. The conspiracy ties Labubu to Pazuzu, a demon from ancient Mesopotamian mythology. Pazuzu has been portrayed in The Exorcist and resembles a creature with wings, a tail, and bulging eyes. But according to the doll looks nothing like Pazuzu. Even Britannica confirms Pazuzu was sometimes seen as a protector against evil, not pure evil himself. So far, Kasing Lung has not responded to the conspiracy. Hence, there is no truth to the claim that Labubu dolls are evil. Labubu Doll maker Wang Ning becomes youngest billionaire Wang Ning, 38, has become one of China's youngest top 10 billionaires with a net worth of $22.7 billion, thanks to the global success of Labubu dolls. Created by artist Kasing Lung and sold through Pop Mart's 'blind box' strategy, the toys gained massive popularity, especially among Gen Z and millennials. Backed by celebrity fans like Rihanna and BLACKPINK's Lisa, Pop Mart's value soared in 2025, with Labubu alone earning nearly $400 million. FAQs: 1. What is the Labubu doll and why is it popular? Labubu is a character created by artist Kasing Lung as part of his storybook series The Monsters. The dolls became popular worldwide. 2. Why are people linking Labubu to the demon Pazuzu? Some social media users have claimed that Labubu's appearance resembles the ancient demon Pazuzu. However, there's no real evidence behind this theory, and experts say the two are not connected. 3. Has the creator of Labubu responded to the controversy? As of now, Kasing Lung hasn't publicly addressed the claims. But in past interviews, he's explained that Labubu comes from fairy tales and childhood imagination, not anything dark or demonic.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Loewe's Tomato Clutch is the most absurd bag of the season; here's why
(Image Credits: Loewe website) Luxury label Loewe has always thrived on a mix of aptitude, irreverence, and pure whimsy. It's a brand that doesn't just follow the zeitgeist, it bends it. Known for pushing boundaries with a wink, Loewe's latest viral moment is a perfect case in point: the Tomato Clutch. Once dismissed as 'absurd,' it's now basking in the fashion limelight, and yes, owning it. A part of the Paula's Ibiza 2025 collection, this summer fruit-inspired accessory is less of a bag and more of a cultural reset. With its glossy, plump shape and high-fashion absurdity, it feels like the spiritual cousin of the viral Labubu Doll, tailored for a Gen Z audience fluent in memes, irony, and designer drops. Like most great internet stories, this one began with a tweet. Back in June 2024, an X (formerly Twitter) user shared a photo of a shiny red heirloom tomato. Another user replied, 'This tomato is so Loewe I can't explain it.' And just like that, a meme was born. The resemblance between the oddly perfect tomato and Loewe's offbeat design aesthetic was too good to ignore and clearly, Jonathan Anderson agreed. From meme to reality Within weeks, Loewe's creative director Jonathan Anderson responded with a short video unveiling the Tomato Clutch. The caption? 'Loewe meme to reality.' And honestly, no notes. Made from a moulded metal frame covered in nappa lambskin, the bag captures the exact ribbed texture and curves of a real tomato, blurring the line between surrealism and craftsmanship. There's a golden leafy crown on top, which functions as both a lock and a handle, plus a long chain that transforms it into a chic sling. The whole piece is unapologetically weird and incredibly beautiful. It's design with a sense of humour, without compromising on luxury. The Tomato Clutch is more than a novelty item. It's a commentary on the way fashion and internet culture now feed off each other in real time. It shows how brands like Loewe aren't just passively observing social trends - they're jumping in, laughing along, and then translating the punchline into a five-star runway moment. Anderson's move from meme to market wasn't just fast, it was intentional. In an era where virality is currency and irony is style, he managed to turn a fruit joke into one of the most talked-about accessories of the year. (Image Credits: Loewe website) Sure, it's shaped like a tomato. But the Tomato Clutch is also surprisingly wearable, thanks to its compact size and luxe detailing. Whether paired with linen for a breezy vacation look or tucked under your arm at a gallery opening, it gives any outfit a bit of eccentric elegance. Plus, in a world where most It bags end up looking the same, this one's got actual personality. And that's something fashion has been craving for a while. The Tomato Clutch feels like a moment - a cheeky, clever reminder that fashion doesn't have to take itself too seriously to be spectacular. It's playful, poetic, and proof that inspiration really can come from anywhere, even a grocery aisle. 'White Lotus' Season 3 Leaves Fans Screaming, Disturbed And Confused | Here's Why So what's next? A Loewe baguette (yes, the bread)? A kale leaf tote? At this point, the brand has proven it can take anything, anything and turn it into an object of covetable cool. Got a weird idea that feels so Loewe you can't explain it? Don't be surprised if you see it on the runway next season. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Buzz Feed
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
What's The Most Iconic Collectible Of All Time?
There's always a new collectible on the block. If you're a collector, then I'm sure by now you have your favorite Labubu Doll, but the real question is: which collectible is the best of them all? Hot Wheels? American Girl Dolls? Furbies? Barbies? Sign up for a BuzzFeed Community account to make your own Showdown now!
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Labubu doll fever grips NBA legend LeBron James' wife Savannah James
Savannah James via Instagram The Labubu Dolls' fever has gradually taken over the world of glitz and glamour. With prominent celebrities flaunting the trending doll with an out-of-the-box appearance, NBA legend LeBron James ' wife, Savannah, is gradually following the trend with respect to her obsession with the Labubu Dolls. From flooding feeds on social media to celebrities flaunting their favorite Labubu Dolls clipped on their bags, the elfish-appearing dolls have been in existence since 2015. LeBron James' wife Savannah shares her obsession with the trending Labubu Dolls With a long list of followers on social media, LeBron James' entrepreneur wife, Savannah James, revealed being fascinated by the trending Labubu Dolls. The brain behind the cosmetic line Reframe posted a picture of the Labubu Doll on her Instagram story and captioned it as- 'Who do I owe a Bubu to??' The Labubu Dolls have already taken over the internet. From popular sports personalities to Hollywoods, people are catching on to the trend globally. The mischievous-looking little dolls went on to become one of the most hyped accessories of 2025 as of now. Celebs around the globe have been spotted flaunting the jagged tooth as a statement piece. Labubu Dolls came to prominence when popular K-pop star Lisa shared a snap with her millions of fans on Instagram, and the rest is history, as after that, popular soccer star David Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Grammy Award winner Dua Lipa were spotted flaunting the doll. The global fashion trend came into existence from children's storybooks. Lisa's Secret Obsession with POP MART | Vanity Fair The Labubu Doll franchise has even collaborated with reputed apparel brands, including Coach and Louis Vuitton. As the trend progressed with time, the launch of every Labubu Doll went on to divert media attention and they were quickly sold out as soon as they were on the shelf. The weird-looking Labubu Dolls were created by a Hong Kong-based artist, Kasing Lung. The trending dolls were mere characters in a children's book named The Monsters back in 2015, based on Nordic tales, which became a prominent part of the Labubu Doll's physical feature. Also Read: LeBron James' wife Savannah makes a massive confession about her personal life on Everybody' Crazy Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
