Erbil Bans Viral Labubu Doll Over Scams, Cultural Concerns

Erbil has banned sales of the viral Labubu collectible doll, citing both consumer exploitation and cultural incompatibility.

Officials say local families were misled by blind-box marketing tactics that pushed them to overspend, while the doll’s appearance sparked criticism for clashing with Kurdish traditions.

Around 2,000 dolls have been confiscated and legal steps taken against multiple businesses.

The doll, created by designer Kasing Lung and sold by Pop Mart, has sparked controversy worldwide—from being linked to demonic imagery online to causing retail chaos and safety concerns in several countries.