Labubu started out as a charming monster from the picture book series “The Monsters,” which was inspired by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung’s take on Nordic Mythology. Yet, when the Chinese toy company Pop Mart began creating these characters as collectible luxury toys in blind boxes back in 2019, it turned into a worldwide hit, raking in millions over the years.
The larger-than-life stuffed toy has garnered approval from big-name celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Rizzo, Simone Biles, David Beckham, and Cher.
Recently, however, some fans have noticed something odd about Lovebu dolls. They bear an uncanny resemblance to Pazzu, a demonic entity from Mesopotamian lore known for tormenting Regan in the 1973 classic horror film, The Exorcist.
Reports have emerged of Lovebu toys displaying what some describe as supernatural behaviors. People claim these dolls whisper, change eye color and expressions, move independently, and even have dreams. Others have experienced strange malfunctions in the vicinity of these dolls, including flickering lights from electronic devices.
In response, some individuals have resorted to burning their dolls or submerging them in holy water to dispel any malevolent influence.
This raises the question: Is this merely internet-driven hysteria, or is there genuinely something darker at play with these toys?
BlazeTV host Ally Beth Stucky took a deep dive into the Lovebu controversy, ultimately advising caution. “Is this doll a demon? I really can’t say. I lean toward thinking it’s not,” she noted.
She references 1 Corinthians 8:4, where Paul states that idols “lack real existence.”
Stucky argues that these icons lack true power; they can’t see, hear, or possess any inherent strength.
What troubles her is the concept of idolatry that these dolls promote.
“From a biblical viewpoint, [Labubus are] absolutely idolatrous,” she explains.
In Western cultures, this often manifests as materialism. We tend to gather what we have today, yet it’s gone tomorrow. In contrast, Eastern interpretations can dive into more overt idolatry.
She highlights that in Thailand, Labubu characters are integrated into Buddhist amulets and sacred tattoos, believed to bring wealth and good fortune. Similarly, Labubu was part of Taoist ceremonies at a temple in Singapore during the festival of nine emperor gods.
In both instances, there’s a sense that Labubu is “casting some sort of spell” on people.
“What we’re observing with Lovebu in places like Thailand raises questions—whether it fits into idolatry, pagan worship, or reveals an unsettling tendency to infantilize intimidating figures. The implications for culture, particularly for children growing up with these toys, are quite dangerous,” she warns.
For more insights on Ally’s biblical analysis of the Labubu craze and its troubling cultural implications, be sure to check out the episode above.
