Shein Faces Accusations of Selling Childlike Sex Dolls in France
Shein, the renowned Asian fast fashion retailer, is facing serious allegations in France. Authorities have reported that the company sold dolls described as “sex dolls with a childlike appearance,” raising significant concerns over child exploitation.
Accusations Against Shein
The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) took action against Shein. They noted that the online descriptions and classifications of these dolls made it difficult to disregard their potential links to child pornography.
Company Response
In a statement, Shein confirmed that the controversial products were removed from their site. They stated, “The products in question were immediately delisted as soon as we became aware of these serious issues.” Furthermore, Shein announced that an internal investigation is underway to determine how these listings bypassed their screening processes.
- Conducting a comprehensive review of all marketplace listings.
- Working to identify and eliminate similar items offered by third-party vendors.
Regulatory Actions
Following the investigation, DGCCRF has escalated the matter to French prosecutors and Arcom, the country’s regulation authority for online and broadcasting content. This development highlights the seriousness of the allegations against Shein.
Context of the Situation
This controversy arises just days before Shein plans to inaugurate its first permanent retail store across the globe. This store will be located in a department store in Paris, symbolizing a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy.
The situation has sparked widespread scrutiny of online retail practices and the responsibilities of companies like Shein to monitor their product offerings effectively.
