Every few weeks, a quirky controversy sweeps through Indian pop culture be it a bizarre trend, a viral meme, or a sensational claim. The summer of 2025 brought a new, unexpected protagonist to the internet’s hall of fame: the Labubu Doll . Let’s dive into why the Labubu Doll has gone from a collectable figure to the heart of a social media frenzy and how a Bigg Boss star’s statements transformed it into a household name synonymous with controversy.
The Labubu Doll Cute Collectible Doll
Labubu, originally conceived as a designer vinyl figure, features an impish grin, oversized ears, and expressive eyes—qualities adored by fans of Asian pop culture collectibles. Across online groups and collector circles, the toy symbolized whimsy and creativity, often fetching hefty prices at conventions.
Suddenly, the narrative took a dark turn.
The Power of Celebrity Influence
In India, reality TV has a massive influence on pop culture, often catapulting ordinary people into overnight stardom. Bigg Boss, the country’s adaptation of the global Big Brother franchise, is a particular incubator for such viral personalities.
When a former contestant, already known for controversial opinions, shares dramatic warnings about everyday objects, her claims don’t exist in a vacuum. They trigger a chain reaction:
- Amplification: Her warnings are picked up by entertainment portals and gossip columns, reaching millions within hours.
- Social Media Virality: Memes, reaction videos, and fan theories flood platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
- Public Anxiety: Ordinary consumers, especially superstitious ones, start to wonder if purchasing certain collectibles invites misfortune.
1. Anecdotal Evidence or Real Pattern?
Till date, there’s no scientific or documented proof that owning a Labubu Doll can cause bad luck. In most cases, supposed “cursed” objects gain notoriety due to confirmation bias: people notice and remember their misfortunes after acquiring the item, but ignore the times when nothing happens.
2. The Psychology of Fear
In a digital age rife with uncertainty, many seek explanations for random misfortune. The Labubu Doll became, for some, a convenient scapegoat—just as ouija boards, black cats, and even fidget spinners have in the past.
Social Media: Accelerant for Controversy
Hashtags like #LabubuDoll, #CursedToy, and #BiggBossJinx trended for days. Influencers shot “unboxing” videos claiming to feel “bad energy.” Some even staged mock exorcisms for clicks. The cycle looked like this:
- Claim Made: The Bigg Boss alum posts her warning.
- Audience Reacts: Followers comment, share personal “haunted doll” stories.
- Media Joins: News outlets pick up the controversy, adding gravitas.
- Brands Respond: Some toy shops pull the dolls, while others witness a surge in sales.
If anything, the controversy has only made the Labubu Doll more sought after—a classic example of the Streisand Effect, where efforts to suppress something only make it more popular.
Commentary Fear, Folklore, and Fame
Why do such stories catch fire? India, with its tapestry of beliefs, urban legends, and deep-rooted rituals, is fertile ground for paranoia-driven fads. Sprinkle in the influence of TV celebrities, and you have a recipe for viral chaos.
It’s also a fascinating study in how digital culture shapes our collective psyche. Ten years ago, Labubu would have remained an obscure figurine. Today, the right blend of reality TV notoriety and algorithmic amplification can turn anything into an object of mass fascination or dread.
Conclusion
The Labubu Doll controversy is less about the toy and more about the power of fame, fear, and social media in modern India. A Bigg Boss contestant’s strange claim was enough to spark a nationwide debate and push a harmless collectible into the realm of urban legend.
Tomorrow, the spotlight will move on. But today, Labubu sits—impossibly grinning—as a testament to how stories, not facts, shape the pop culture universe.
