The internet is buzzing in 2025 with rumors that the infamous Annabelle doll has gone missing during a paranormal tour stop in New Orleans. With TikTok videos and Twitter threads adding fuel to the fire, the story has captured the attention of horror fans, skeptics, and even locals wondering if something sinister is afoot.
But is the haunted Annabelle doll really gone? Or is this just another case of viral internet fear?
Who Is Annabelle?
The Annabelle doll is no ordinary toy. It’s a real-life Raggedy Ann doll that gained worldwide notoriety in the 1970s after paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren declared it was haunted. According to the Warrens, the doll was inhabited by a demonic spirit that caused disturbing events, including Strange writing on walls, Physical attacks on people and Unexplainable movement.
The Warrens eventually locked the doll in a glass case at their Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, where it remained for decades. It became even more famous after being featured in The Conjuring and its spin-off horror films, Annabelle (2014) and its sequels.
What Happened in 2025?
In early 2025, a traveling exhibit called the “Devils on the Run” tour featured haunted items from the Warren collection, including Annabelle. The exhibit stopped in several cities across the U.S., with New Orleans being one of the most talked-about locations.
Shortly after the New Orleans stop, social media went wild with claims that the Annabelle doll had vanished from its case. TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, and tweets with hashtags like #AnnabelleMissing and #AnnabelleEscaped quickly trended, and some posts claimed the doll’s energy had caused “strange activity” in nearby neighborhoods.
“People are saying they saw something that looked like Annabelle walking down Bourbon Street,” one TikTok user joked — but others took it seriously.
Is Annabelle Really Missing?
No, Annabelle is not missing.
The curators of the “Devils on the Run” tour quickly responded to the viral scare. Paranormal investigator Ryan Daniel Buell, who documented the tour on social media, confirmed that the doll was safe and secure at all times.
“Annabelle never left her display case,” Buell said in a statement. “All of the rumors are just that — rumors. There was no security breach. The doll is exactly where she’s supposed to be.”
Even though the doll’s presence stirred up eerie feelings for some attendees, no credible evidence supports claims that it escaped or disappeared. The confusion likely started with misleading posts and videos designed to go viral.
Why Did People Believe It?
The Annabelle legend has always sparked fear — and fascination. Add in the mysterious setting of New Orleans (known for its ghost stories and voodoo history), and it’s easy to see how rumors got out of control.
On top of that, many social media creators leaned into the fear factor to generate views, clicks, and shares. It became hard to separate fact from fiction as the posts spread.
“It’s the internet age,” one Twitter user wrote. “Anything spooky goes viral.”
What’s the Real Danger?
The real danger isn’t the doll escaping — it’s how quickly misinformation spreads online. This situation shows how a viral video or tweet can make millions believe something that isn’t true.
However, it also shows how powerful legends like Annabelle are in pop culture. People are fascinated by the idea of cursed objects, and the Annabelle story taps into deep fears about the unknown.
