"Peak billionaire behavior": Fans react as artist Tobyn Jacobs puts 40-ft Hakos Baelz cutout in front of mansion

Artist Tobyn Jacobs puts 40-ft Hakos Baelz cutout in front of mansion (Image via X)
Artist Tobyn Jacobs puts 40-ft Hakos Baelz cutout in front of mansion (Image via X)

A 40-foot cutout of VTuber Hakos Baelz now stands outside artist Tobyn Jacobs’ mansion, prompting lively online responses and sparking widespread amusement.

Fans labeled the display

“Peak billionaire behavior,” (via X)

Marveling at its scale and ambition. One viewer commented,

“I don’t even know how to respond to this—so how’s life for y’all?” (via X)

Reactions ranged from playful shock to casual curiosity, with many sharing screenshots and memes, turning the installation into a social media talking point and showing how fan art can spark wide discussion beyond digital platforms.


Tobyn Jacobs first made a 40-foot cutout of Nanashi Mumei in 2022

Tobyn Jacobs first created a large VTuber tribute in September 2022, when he unveiled a 40-foot depiction of Nanashi Mumei outside his property. He shared videos and photos of that project on Instagram and X, noting at the time that it was a personal record and that he aimed for 100 feet in 2023. His recent Hakos Baelz display follows this pattern of turning digital fan art into life-size outdoor sculptures.


Hakos Baelz reached one million YouTube subscribers on December 11, 2024

Hakos Baelz, part of Hololive English’s Promise group, marked a key milestone by hitting one million YouTube subscribers during an endurance stream on December 11, 2024. The event was noted by fans and covered by media outlets, highlighting her growing presence in virtual entertainment. Her streams feature singing, gaming, and multilingual chat, which have helped her connect with a wide audience.


Social media users shared both praise and questions about the cutout

Reactions to the giant cutout varied. Some users focused on the skill and effort involved, while others wondered whether a private home was the right place for such a display.

One viewer asked,

“Can we bring shame back to society,” (via X)

Reflecting a light-hearted critique.

Another joked,

“Why can’t I get a gf, then mfs do this,” (via X)

Showing how the installation became a point of comparison among fans.

A third user admitted,

“Someday I wanna do something this monumentally nuts… For the memes,” (via X)

capturing a mix of admiration and fun.


Some observers question whether the cutout is too large for a private residence

The 40-foot height has led to discussions about property rules, sightlines, and the line between personal expression and public impact. While Tobyn Jacobs owns the land, neighbors and passersby will inevitably see the massive image of a virtual character. Questions arise about whether such displays should follow any local guidelines or remain purely a creative choice.


Large-scale fan art projects show how online culture moves into the real world

Tobyn Jacobs’ work highlights the close ties between digital communities and physical spaces. As VTubers like Hakos Baelz grow in popularity, fans find new ways to honor them beyond screens. These installations blend art, fandom, and real-world spectacle, suggesting that virtual personalities can inspire creative projects of almost any size.

The Hakos Baelz cutout stands as a clear example of how fan dedication and digital entertainment can spill over into everyday life, prompting both celebration and debate about where fan art belongs.

Edited by IRMA