Creator of MoMo, Keisuke Aiso, has said the scary sculpture is no more an that the kids should no longer be afraid. The guilt-stricken artist says he feels responsible for the havoke that the game and the widespread panic and fear over the last few weeks.
His work was hijacked by hackers who used it in the so-called Momo-challenge.But the Japenese artist, 43, said Momo is dead.
Speaking from his studio near Tokyo, Japan, he said: “It doesn’t exist anymore, it was never meant to last.
“It was rotten and I threw it away. The children can be reassured Momo is dead – she doesn’t exist and the curse is gone.”
He revealed the model, with piercing eyes, was binned last autumn.The artist made the ghoulish figure out of natural oils and rubber.
It was based on a similar horrifying figure pals spotted in Mexico, where it was being used to celebrate the day of the dead. That work was called Mother Bird was built in 2016.
Mr Aiso told The Sun : “I have mixed feels about the people who have done this.
“On one hand they have caused me nothing but trouble, but on the other hand as an artist I have a little sense of appreciation that my art piece has been seen across the world.
“Apparently the children have been affected and I do feel a little responsible for it.
He spoke of his surprise that his artwork had been abused by the hackers.
Momo had been edited into children’s YouTube videos, including those of Peppa Pig .
Using a computerised voice, the ghoulish character issues horrific threats to whoever has clicked on the video.
Kids charities reassured Mirror Online there has been no evidence of harm being done.
Momo Challenge Song
“Momo. Momo. Momo’s going to kill you.
“Momo. Momo. Momo’s going to kill you.
“At night she’ll come, when you’re in bed,
“In the morning, you’ll be dead.
“Momo. Momo. Momo’s going to kill you.
“Momo. Momo. Momo’s going to kill you.
“Do you want a surprise?
“Look in her eyes.
“I won’t lie, you’re going to die
“Momo. Momo. Momo’s going to kill you.
“If you don’t believe, you think she’s just made of stone,
“She will get you, when you’re home alone.
“Momo. Momo. Momo’s going to kill you.”
They threaten the youngster if they refuse to follow ‘orders’.
There are claims some of these threats include the player being “killed in their sleep” and their family coming to harm.
The child is sent instructions on how to harm themselves and others – and some have even been told to kill themselves.
The challenge may appear midway through a video or game.