'Momo challenge' image creator says he has destroyed doll
Scary image with goggly eyes, pained expression is based on Japanese ghost 'ubume'TOKYO: The Japanese artist behind the images that sparked the recent viral “momo challenge” hoax tsaid Monday he destroyed the creepy doll long ago and never meant to harm anyone. The scary image with goggly eyes and a pained expression was based on a Japanese ghost called “ubume”, explained Keisuke Aiso, head of Tokyo-based firm LINK FACTORY, which makes props for TV dramas. It was one of many ghost-themed sculptures in Aiso’s repertoire and the artist said: “It was meant to scare people, yes, but it wasn’t meant to harm anyone.”Blue Whale and Momo challenge banned in PakistanAiso, 43, destroyed the sculpture last year because it began to deteriorate. The terrifying image has been at the centre of a viral hoax, as reports surfaced that children were being induced by “momo” into dangerous tasks and even self-harm and suicide. Aiso appeared bemused by the reports and said: “I’d be happy if such a challenge never existed.”Read full story
Source: The Express Tribune March 04, 2019 14:48 UTC
