Fights Erupt, Labubu Dolls Pulled: Pop Mart Faces Fan Backlash

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Post on May 24, 2025

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Fights Erupt, Labubu Dolls Pulled: Pop Mart Faces Fan Backlash Over Controversial Release

Pop Mart, the hugely popular collectible toy company known for its adorable Labubu figurines, is facing a significant backlash from fans after a recent release sparked outrage and even physical altercations. The chaos surrounding the launch highlights the intense fervor surrounding limited-edition collectibles and the potential pitfalls of inadequate distribution strategies.

The controversy centers around a new line of Labubu dolls, details of which Pop Mart has been tight-lipped about, fueling speculation and hype among collectors. This scarcity, intentionally or not, created a perfect storm, leading to chaotic scenes at launch events and online.

Chaos at Launch Events: Reports of Fights and Injuries

Reports from various locations detail scenes of intense competition and even violence amongst fans desperate to acquire the coveted dolls. Videos circulating on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter show pushing, shoving, and shouting matches, raising concerns about the safety of consumers. Some accounts even mention minor injuries sustained in the melee. The lack of adequate crowd control measures at many launch events is being heavily criticized, with many fans questioning Pop Mart’s responsibility for ensuring the safety of their customers. This incident underscores the need for better event planning and crowd management for future releases.

Online Outrage: Accusations of Scalping and Price Gouging

Beyond the physical altercations, the online response has been equally intense. Many fans are voicing their anger at alleged scalpers who bought up large quantities of the dolls to resell at inflated prices on platforms like eBay and Taobao. This practice exacerbates the frustration felt by collectors who were unable to obtain the dolls at their retail price. The accusations of scalping are further fueling the negative sentiment surrounding the release, with many calling for Pop Mart to take action against this practice.

Pop Mart Pulls the Plug: Labubu Dolls Temporarily Removed

In response to the escalating controversy, Pop Mart has announced the temporary removal of the controversial Labubu dolls from sale. While the company hasn't explicitly stated the reasons behind the decision, the statement acknowledges the "unforeseen circumstances" surrounding the launch and expresses a commitment to improving future product releases. This move, while likely intended to mitigate further damage, has done little to quell the anger of many disgruntled fans.

The Future of Pop Mart: Lessons Learned?

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of high demand and limited supply in the collectible toy market. Pop Mart faces a critical juncture. Its response to this crisis will greatly influence its reputation and its future relationship with its passionate – and now, somewhat disillusioned – fanbase. The company needs to address concerns about scalping, improve its launch event management, and potentially reassess its distribution strategies to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Failing to do so could significantly impact brand loyalty and potentially damage the company's long-term prospects.

Keywords: Pop Mart, Labubu, collectible toys, fan backlash, limited edition, scalping, price gouging, controversy, chaos, violence, product launch, crowd control, social media, online outrage, consumer safety.