Labubu is the latest collectible doll craze sweeping the globe, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. But alongside the excitement, some have raised concerns — is this harmless plush monster actually connected to demonic forces?
What Is Labubu?
As Allie Beth Stuckey explains, Labubu is a “plush monster doll character” inspired by a Hong Kong author and artist Kasing Lung’s fantasy trilogy “The Monsters.” Stuckey describes Labubu as a “mischievous but kind-hearted elf” who causes playful chaos but ultimately has “good intentions.” The dolls became a viral sensation, helped along by celebrities like Dua Lipa and Rihanna, and have grown into a massive collectible trend with PopMart, the Chinese company behind them, raking in hundreds of millions of dollars.
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According to Stuckey, “Labubu has become this global collectible craze, with people so obsessed they attend Labubu fashion shows, raves and even Labubu pride events.” But she also notes, “these are adults, not kids — which says something about the cultural moment we’re in.”
The Demonic Allegations
Some critics online have linked Labubu to the ancient Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu due to “similar facial features such as the big eyes and mischievous grin.” Pazuzu was known as a “king of demons of the wind,” who could bring plagues or protection depending on how people invoked him. Stuckey points out that “while Pazuzu was considered evil, people still kept charms of him for protection — and Labubu, despite being innocent, is also a troublemaker in the stories.”
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There are even viral TikToks claiming the doll’s eye color changes or that its smile grows larger, with some users attributing personal misfortunes to owning Labubu. One user “burned her Labubu, calling it cursed,” while another “threw the doll away after a near-death experience.” Yet Stuckey questions these stories: “Are these real spiritual encounters or just content designed for views? I don’t know.”
What Does the Bible Say?
Stuckey turns to Scripture for clarity. Citing 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, she says, “Paul makes it clear that idols and objects themselves have no power. ‘An idol is nothing at all in the world,’ and only God has real authority.”
Stuckey warns against superstition, and encourages believers to focus on “worshiping the Creator rather than the creature,” and to “discern cultural influences while standing firm in God’s authority.”
What Should Parents and Christians Do?
While Labubu itself is “not inherently demonic,” Stuckey stresses the importance of cultural discernment. “The obsession with these dolls reflects larger cultural issues — perpetual adolescence, misplaced attachments and social media-fueled addictions.” She advises parents, “It’s your job to set boundaries and teach your kids to avoid these harmful obsessions.”
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Above all, Stuckey urges believers to “know the power of God over evil, and not to fear objects but to exercise spiritual authority in Christ.” Rather than fearing toys or symbols, she says, “We should focus on teaching biblical truth and protecting the vulnerable.”
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
