Meet the most haunted doll in the world
Meet Robert, a 113-year-old doll who currently resides in Fort East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida.
Believed to be one of the most haunted dolls in the world and the inspiration for the movie Chucky, Robert the Doll has apparently caused misfortune and bad luck wherever he goes – everything from car crashes to broken bones.
Created around the turn of the century, Robert is a one-of-a-kind handmade doll with eerily blank features. He was once painted but the colour has long faded away.
According to the Atlas Obscura, Robert the Doll was given as a childhood birthday gift to Robert Eugene Otto, also known as Gene, in 1906.
The family soon noticed that the doll could be heard and seen moving around the house. His expression would even change if anyone badmouthed his owner in his earshot. Gene also told his family that Robert would destroy other toys in the night.
When the family moved, Robert was left behind in the attic and the house was later converted into a bed and breakfast. The owners reported strange noises and laughter from the attic, with electronic devices said to stop working around him.
After 20 years, he was finally to the Florida museum – but apparently his antics haven’t stopped there.
Museum curator Cori Convertito has revealed the museum receive up to three letters daily, with visitors often writing to apologise for disrespecting Robert during their visit and falling victim to misfortunes they think he’s caused.