"Labubu" under scrutiny: Global success and controversial working conditions
A recent human rights investigation into the manufacturing conditions of the popular Labubu toy has sparked widespread controversy on social media. The investigation revealed harsh working practices at a Chinese factory that produces the toy, igniting a heated debate between defenders of the toy as a global cultural and entertainment phenomenon and critics who argue that its success comes at the expense of workers' rights.
The investigation, conducted by China Labor Watch, a New York-based human rights organization, is based on field observations and testimonies from workers inside the Zhongya Toys factory in Guangdong Province, eastern China. This factory is responsible for producing LaBubu dolls as part of Popmart's "The Monsters" series.
Working Hours Exceeding the Legal Limit and Opaque Contracts
According to the report, the increasing pressure to meet high global demand for the toy has led the factory to impose overtime of up to 100 hours per month, far exceeding the 36-hour limit permitted by Chinese law.
The investigation also revealed vague employment contracts that lacked sufficient clarity regarding workers' rights, as well as the absence of social and health insurance in some cases. Most alarming, according to the report, was the discovery of 16-year-old workers laboring under the same conditions as adults, without any legal protections that took into account their age or the nature of their work.
Huge Profits Behind the "Buying Frenzy"
These findings come at a time when the "Monsters" franchise is enjoying remarkable commercial success, with profits estimated by human rights and media outlets at around $670 million. Estimates also suggest that actual production may exceed the reported figures of approximately 12 million toys annually, in order to keep pace with what has been described as a global "buying frenzy."
This contradiction between huge profits and human rights accusations has revived the long-standing debate about production costs in global supply chains, particularly in industries targeting young consumers and widely marketed through social media.
Widespread Division on Social Media
The January 15, 2026 episode of the program "Networks" monitored the reactions of social media users to the investigation's findings. A clear division emerged between those who questioned the report's motives and those who saw it as revealing a hidden aspect of the gaming industry.
Activist Shatha considered the investigation part of an attempt to undermine the game's success, saying:
"I don't know why they keep coming up with something to attack this game... all because it has garnered widespread attention from adults and children alike, and everyone loves it."
Masoud, however, linked the issue to the nature of production in China in general, writing:
"All products come from China, and all Chinese workers, young and old, unfortunately live under these difficult conditions."
For his part, blogger Jackson defended Chinese work culture from a different perspective, arguing that concepts differ from one country to another. He said:
"The concept of child labor varies from country to country, each according to its own understanding... the Chinese start working at a certain age to secure their needs."
In contrast, activist Wanda dismissed the notion that these reports would affect the game's popularity, commenting:
"I don't think these reports will affect the game's popularity... Every time they come up with a new story, and it's just like Shein and Timo tried to fight it and couldn't."
Meanwhile, Roni questioned the impartiality of the human rights organization, considering its geographical location to be suspicious. He wrote:
"An investigation by an organization based in the United States means competition with China... I don't have much faith in such reports."
Bobmart's Response and Attempt to Contain the Crisis
For its part, Bobmart quickly responded to the accusations, emphasizing in an official statement that worker safety and rights are a top priority. The company explained that it conducts regular audits of its suppliers and is prepared to take immediate corrective action should any legal or human rights violations be proven in the factories contracted with it.
However, this response did not end the controversy, as some activists called for greater transparency and the public release of the audit results to ensure genuine adherence to international labor standards.
A Toy Becomes a Cultural Icon
Much of Labubu's popularity stems from its strong presence in the fashion world and celebrity culture. Images of the doll adorn the accounts of global influencers, and magazines like GQ have discussed it as a luxury accessory to be placed in men's handbags.
Unboxing videos garner millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, while hashtags like #Labubu are used to document entire collections of the dolls, often complete with plastic shoes that sell for around $22 and custom-designed clothing, further enhancing their value as display objects rather than mere toys.
