People Think The Simpsons Predicted Labubu Toys as Disturbing Demon Theory Spreads
People are burning their dolls
What started as a quirky collectible trend has now spiraled into a full-blown internet conspiracy. The Labubu dolls, created by Chinese brand POP MART, have gained massive popularity over the past few years. But now, some fans are convinced these toys are cursed—and even believe The Simpsons predicted their rise.
If you haven’t heard of Labubus, they’re the small, mischievous-looking plush toys that resemble fantasy gremlins. They were introduced in 2019 through a collaboration between POP MART and Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, who originally created them as part of his illustrated series The Monsters. In the books, Labubus appear as a tribe of quirky, whimsical female elves—but recent social media activity suggests some people now view them as something far more sinister.
In fact, a growing number of TikTok users claim the toys are “possessed” or “demon-infested.” One particularly unsettling video shows a user burning her Labubu doll with the caption:
“They are cursed with a demon that almost ruined my life.”
At the center of the conspiracy is the ancient Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu, best known to modern audiences as the entity that possesses the young girl in The Exorcist. Some online theorists believe Labubus were modeled after Pazuzu due to their wide, eerie grins and quirky expressions.
And this is where The Simpsons enters the story.
Fans of the long-running animated series are drawing connections between the Labubu craze and an episode from the 2017 Halloween special, Treehouse of Horror. In the episode, Homer mistakenly orders a statue of Pazuzu thinking it's pizza. The demon ends up possessing baby Maggie, triggering chaos in the Simpson household.
Although the demon in the episode looks nothing like a Labubu, some conspiracy theorists insist this was yet another prediction from The Simpsons. They suggest that just like Homer, people today are unknowingly bringing cursed objects into their homes in the form of cuddly, collectible toys.
One Facebook user warned:
“Labubu toys look cute until you realize they’re Pazuzu-inspired demons. Just like in The Simpsons. Homer brought one home, and it possessed him. You’re not adopting a toy you’re inviting evil in.”
Another person wrote on Twitter:
“Labubu = Pazuzu. Do not invite demons into your home.”
Understanding the Psychology Behind Collective Hysterias
The phenomena of Labubu dolls being labeled as cursed and people subsequently burning them can be seen as a form of collective hysteria. This is not unusual in society, especially in the age of the internet where information can spread quickly and widely. According to research by Balaratnasingam and Janca (2012), collective hysteria can be triggered by psychological stressors and can manifest in various ways, including aggressive behaviors such as burning dolls.
Labubu keychains on Louis Vuitton bags during Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2025/2026
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
A third commenter admitted the theory had scared them off the toy trend entirely:
“I’m not superstitious, I’m a little stitious. But I’d never buy a Labubu. It comes from Pazuzu, which is a demon, and possessed the girl in The Exorcist. We’ve got enough inner demons, who needs one more expensive one?”
Despite the toy's creepy design and the growing online fear, there's no actual evidence that Labubus are linked to ancient mythology. In fact, the widely circulated theory has gained so much attention that Snopes, a site known for debunking internet hoaxes, published a fact-check to clear things up.
In the article, Snopes pointed out the significant differences between Pazuzu and the Labubu dolls, writing:
“Based on the physical description alone, it's clear Labubu does not physically resemble illustrations of Pazuzu, nor does it match the cultural influence that Lung cites.”
The site went on to describe Pazuzu's traditional features, including a canine face, bulging eyes, talons, wings, and a scaly body—none of which are found in the whimsical Labubu design.
'Pazuzu' appears in the Treehouse of Horror XXVIII episode from October 2017.
The Simpsons
Snopes ultimately concluded that there is “no evidence” Labubu dolls are inspired by or connected to Pazuzu, nor is there any hidden message in The Simpsons episode meant to serve as a warning.
Still, the conspiracy shows no sign of slowing down. Even as influencers burn their dolls and others refuse to buy them, the Labubu hysteria continues to trend on platforms like TikTok and Twitter. At the same time, fashion insiders have embraced the toy, with some guests seen accessorizing with Labubu keychains on designer bags at Paris Fashion Week.
It seems that Labubu’s appeal walks a fine line between cute and creepy, and that line has sparked one of the most bizarre viral theories of the year.
Whether you believe in cursed toys or not, one thing is clear: Labubu has made a lasting impact on pop culture, and like so many things today, it’s become a symbol of how the internet can turn playful fandom into full-on folklore.
People's belief that The Simpsons predicted the rise of these dolls might be a manifestation of 'apophenia', a term coined by psychiatrist Klaus Conrad, which refers to the human tendency to perceive meaningful patterns within random data (Brugger and Graves, 2016). This might be especially pronounced in the context of popular culture, where people might be more prone to seeking connections between events or phenomena.
What Research Shows about Mass Panic and Superstitions
Furthermore, the fear that these dolls are cursed is a reflection of superstitious beliefs. According to a study conducted by Nemeroff and Rozin (2000), superstitious beliefs often stem from our psychological need to control or predict our environment. In this case, people may be trying to control their fear of the unknown by attributing the dolls' popularity to supernatural phenomena.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, the phenomenon surrounding Labubu dolls demonstrates how psychological principles such as collective hysteria, apophenia, and superstition can influence human behavior. It shows how societal stressors and our innate need to find patterns and exert control can lead to interesting, and sometimes irrational, collective behaviors. As researchers continue to delve into these areas, it is likely that we will gain a deeper understanding of these psychological phenomena, and of our own behavior in the face of uncertainty and fear.
