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Labubu Or Pazuzu? Is The Viral Doll Inspired By A Demonic Figure?

Social media users are now fearing that the mega-viral Labubu collectables are based on a Mesopotamian demon called 'Pazuzu'. Manufacturer Pop Mart has not commented on the claims.

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Tanya Savkoor
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Labubu, an adorable collectable 'monster', has recently been so sought after that everyone and their grandmother has tried to get their hands on one. From unboxing ASMR videos to celebrity lookbooks, the internet is flooded with posts about the dolls. However, amid the frenzy, some social media users have raised concerns over Labubus' "resemblance" with a Mesopotamian demon called Pazuzu. Many people on TikTok have also claimed that the dolls carry "negative energy."

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"There's a verse that says Satan disguises himself as an angel of light," an X user posted, referring to the Bible verse, 2 Corinthians 11:14. Another X user also compared it to a 2017 scene from the show, The Simpsons. 

The conspiracy theory between Labubu and Pazuzu seems to be based on speculation or humour, but has suddenly gripped the internet. Many critics have even called out people for 'fear-mongering'. The manufacturer, Chinese brand Pop Mart, has not commented on these claims. 

What is Labubu?

From Bollywood's Ananya Panday to BLACKPINK's Lisa, everyone is going crazy over Labubu, a 'monster' doll sold as bag charms, collectables, and more. Created in 2015 by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, the doll has become more than just a toy—it's a style statement, even among celebrities. 

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Labubu sold for about ₹13,000 in India, according to one site.
A Labubu doll auctioned for about ₹13,000 in India, according to one site. Meanwhile, some other dolls cost about ₹2,500-₹3,000

Labubu, a mischievous-looking, wide-eyed character with a big, sharp-toothed grin, is not the most welcoming face in the doll world. Yet, its quirky charm has captured hearts across the globe, turning it from an oddball collectable into a cultural phenomenon. Pop Mart describes Labubu as “kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite."

Labubu is part of a group called “The Monsters", which includes other quirky creatures like Zimomo, Mokoko and Tycoco. The doll’s design is inspired by Nordic mythology. Typically, the dolls come in a 'blind box' format, which means customers don’t know which version they will get until they open the box. This surprise element makes collecting them fun and exciting.

The most trendy Labubu of late is the bag charm, which has become a staple accessory to elevate a simple outfit into a fun, fashion-forward look. Most celebrities can be seen decorating their high-end branded bags with Labubu to give them a quirky and slightly less formal twist. It’s part of the broader Birkinification trend, inspired by the late actress and model Jane Birkin, who adorned her customised Hermes handbag with whimsical trinkets and personal touches to reflect individuality.

labubu ananya panday dua lipa rihanna lisa blackpink
Lisa, Ananya Panday, Rihanna, Dua Lipa sport Labubu bag charms

Google Trends shows searches for “Labubu doll" and “Labubu keychain" have reached over 2.1 million in the past month alone. According to Bloomberg, Pop Mart made $1.8 billion in 2024, which is twice as much as the year before. Labubu and the “The Monsters" series alone made about $400 million, which is a huge surge of 726% in a single year.

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Following its massive popularity, several resale frauds and fakes have also been reported. Recently, a Thai politician issued a warning while arriving at Government House about fraudulent sales of the expensive designer dolls, according to theBangkok Post. Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad is also reportedly an owner of some Labubu dolls, as seen in some media photographs.

Thai Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad shows her Labubu dolls at Government House on Tuesday morning. (Photo Credit: Chanat Katanyu for Bangkok Post)
Thai Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad shows her Labubu dolls at Government House. (Photo Credit: Chanat Katanyu for Bangkok Post)

Other popular collectables going viral 

Similar to Labubu, another toy going viral is Smiski, an unassuming, tiny glow-in-the-dark figure taking TikTok by storm. Available in India for thousands of rupees, it is a collector’s favourite for its oddly comforting presence and minimalist charm. Whether peeking out from bookshelves or perched on work desks, Smiski figures have found a niche as the internet's new companion.