From a failed TikTok ban to a viral Labubu craze, 2025’s top cultural moments spanned TikTok, Super Bowl, spaceflight, KPop, and more, reshaping pop culture.
Winter: The TikTok Ban That Never Happened
For months, U.S. users awaited a nationwide TikTok ban slated for January. President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump showed no interest in enforcing the law, leaving the ban unimplemented. Users hurried to other platforms, including the Chinese‑owned RedNote, while Trump repeatedly delayed the ban. In September, he struck a deal to transfer majority ownership of TikTok to Americans.
Winter: Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show
Kendrick Lamar headlined Super Bowl LIX, drawing an average of 133.5 million views—the most‑watched halftime show ever. Cameos included SZA, Samuel L. Jackson—who narrated as Uncle Sam—and Serena Williams. Lamar’s rendition of “Not Like Us” intensified Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group. In October, a federal judge dismissed Drake’s defamation suit, ending the feud.
Spring: Labubu Craze
The toothy plush doll, described as creepy or slightly ugly, sparked the biggest collectible craze of 2025. Pop Mart sold Labubus in blind boxes that sold out quickly, creating a lucrative resale market and a wave of fakes called Lafufus. A life‑size Labubu sold for more than $170,000 in China, and California police investigated Labubu heists.
Spring: Celebs Go to Space
Katy Perry and CBS Mornings co‑host Gayle King joined a brief all‑female crew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. The team also included Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. The flight was the first all‑female spaceflight since 1963, when Valentina Tereshkova launched into orbit. A viral meme showed Perry holding a daisy while singing “What a Wonderful World.”
Summer: KPop Demon Hunters
Sony Pictures Animation produced the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” released by Netflix. The fictional groups Saja Boys and HUNTR/X became global superstars, with songs “Your Idol” and “Golden” topping charts. The film earned several Grammy and Golden Globe nominations and is Netflix’s most‑watched movie of all time. It was also named one of the 35 films eligible for the animated feature category at the 98th Academy Awards.
Summer: Sydney Sweeney Ad Controversy
American Eagle’s denim campaign featured actor Sydney Sweeney, sparking accusations of eugenics and right‑wing praise. Trump called it the “HOTTEST” ad out there. In a People interview, Sweeney, 28, said: “I’m against hate and divisiveness. In the past my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press but recently I have come to realize that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it.”
Summer: Parasocial Relationships
Fans of Love Island USA and The Summer I Turned Pretty issued anti‑bullying PSAs to their fandoms, yet internet sleuths continued to harass contestants. Grievances over the shows’ fictional characters turned into vitriol toward the actors portraying them.
Summer: Kiss Cam Cheating Scandal
During a July Coldplay concert, CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot embraced, prompting Chris Martin to speculate an affair when the kiss cam captured them. The scandal led both Byron and Cabot to resign from the data company Astronomer.
Fall: Taylor Swift Album and Kelce Proposal
Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” in October. She reunited with Max Martin and Shellback, producing a dozen tracks. Several lyrics allude to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who proposed to her in a garden with a massive diamond ring.
Fall: Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
ABC removed “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from the air after Kimmel joked about the death of right‑wing personality Charlie Kirk. FCC Chair Brendan Carr criticized the move, and protesters gathered outside Disney’s studios. Kimmel returned within a week, criticizing Trump and attempting to smooth tensions about his earlier comments.
Fall: Gen Alpha Lingo “6‑7”
The phrase “six seven”—meaning nothing—became viral on the internet. Teachers banned the slang in classrooms, and In‑N‑Out Burger removed the number 67 from its ticket system.
Fall: Diddy Trial Conclusion
Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison and five years of supervised release after a seven‑week trial. He was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. Diddy pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing.
Fall: Louvre Heist
On October 19, thieves used a furniture‑elevator truck to break into the Louvre, drilling into display cases and stealing $102 million worth of jewels. The haul included pieces linked to Empress Marie‑Louise, Empress Eugénie, Marie‑Amélie, and Hortense. The jewels remain unrecovered.
Winter pt. 2: David Ellison
42‑year‑old media mogul David Ellison, son of Larry Ellison, acquired Paramount for $8 billion through Skydance Media. He is now in a high‑stakes battle with Netflix over Warner Bros. Discovery’s film and television assets.
Winter pt. 2: White House Music Controversies
In November, Olivia Rodrigo criticized the Department of Homeland Security for using her song “all american b—-” in an ICE‑promoting video. Sabrina Carpenter rebuked the White House for using her track “Juno” in a pro‑ICE video, calling it “evil and disgusting.” The video was later deleted. SZA joined the chorus, accusing the White House of “rage baiting artists for free promo” after using her song “Big Boy.”
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