Kurdish authorities in Erbil have confiscated 4,000 Labubu dolls and banned their sale in shops due to alleged negative effects on children's behaviour, marking the first official action against the popular collectable toys, IntelliNews learned on July 10.

The ban follows earlier Iraqi media reports making extraordinary claims about the dolls, including unsubstantiated allegations about "demonic spells" and health problems. However, the Erbil authorities have focused on behavioural concerns rather than supernatural elements.

Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong-Dutch artist Kasing Lung, became a global phenomenon after celebrities including Lisa from BLACKPINK and Rihanna were seen carrying them. The collectible toys generated over $87mn in revenue during the first half of 2024.

The character features a distinctive design with wide eyes, long ears and a broad smile with sharp teeth, which some child psychology experts have suggested could create confusion about beauty standards or cause anxiety in young children.

Kurdish authorities have not detailed specific behavioural issues attributed to the dolls or provided scientific evidence supporting the ban. The action appears based on concerns about the toy's appearance rather than documented harm.

One psychological consultant described the doll as carrying "poison in honey," referring to its appearance that combines innocence with mystery and cunning features, which could lead to confusion in a child's concepts of what is beautiful or reassuring. He noted that the wide smile accompanied by sharp teeth could leave a long-term psychological impact on some children, especially those in the stage of mental and emotional formation.

Consultants also reported that it causes skin diseases, shortness of breath, and numerous problems in homes. They added that it contains a demonic spell that tells the story of a demon that used to appear in ancient Arab lands to stir up chaos.

Bnm IntelliNews spoke with parents of young children in Iraq about the proliferation of the Labubu toy and asked about their concerns.

One mother in Irbil who did not want to be named said: "I don’t think there is anything superstitious about the dolls, but I will not buy one for my daughter."

Another father said to IntelliNews, “my daughter bought one in the market in the city when she was with me, I had no idea this thing is controversial I thought it was just ugly looking,” he added “and it was overpriced…I won’t say how much. 

The controversy highlights cultural sensitivities around imported entertainment products, particularly those with unconventional designs. Similar concerns have previously been raised about Pokémon and Harry Potter due to their connection to witchcraft and other franchises in various countries.

Pop Mart, the Chinese company producing Labubu dolls, has not commented on the Iraqi ban. The toys remain widely available in most global markets, with no other countries reporting similar restrictions.

The Erbil confiscation represents one of the few official government actions taken against the popular collectible, which continues to drive significant social media engagement with over 1.5mn TikTok videos featuring the dolls.