A recent incident in Shanghai has made headlines after a young boy caused extensive property damage worth over 400,000 yuan (approximately S$72,000) during a tantrum sparked by a Labubu doll, owned by a popular Chinese influencer.
According to the influencer known as Brother Tail, the boy, who was visiting with a relative, demanded the jewel-adorned Labubu doll displayed in his home. When his demand was refused, the child threw a violent tantrum, eventually hurling a remote control at the mirror-glass ceiling. The impact shattered part of the ceiling and caused a costly Italian crystal chandelier, valued at around 300,000 yuan, to crash down.
Brother Tail shared the aftermath photos on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, showing glass shards scattered across his home. He revealed that repairs to both the ceiling and chandelier cost close to 400,000 yuan. Despite the severity of the damage, the boy’s parents reportedly showed little remorse. While they offered to “sell everything they had” to cover the costs, they could only pay 20,000 yuan, citing financial difficulties. Brother Tail expressed frustration with the family’s attitude and declined to pursue legal action, believing it would be futile.
The Labubu Doll Craze and Its Price Tag
Labubu is a quirky monster character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and popularised by the toy retailer Pop Mart. Known for limited releases, secret editions, and rare colourways, Labubu dolls have become highly coveted collector’s items. Originally priced between US$20 and US$40 (S$26–S$53), some rare editions have been auctioned for over US$150,000.
The toy’s soaring popularity has led to retail chaos worldwide, with incidents of fights, scalping, and theft reported in various countries. In China and abroad, Pop Mart has had to suspend or temporarily close stores due to unruly crowds vying for the dolls.
Public Reaction and Reflections
The incident has reignited conversations about consumer culture, parenting, and the pressures of social media influence. Many sympathise with Brother Tail’s predicament but also express concern over how children’s behaviour can escalate in the presence of expensive, highly sought-after items.
As Labubu continues to dominate the collector’s market, this episode serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked tantrums—and the hefty price tags attached to some of today’s most popular toys.