Shein pulls 'child-like sex dolls' after French watchdog alert

Shein has reportedly withdrawn a range of child-like sex dolls following allegations from a French watchdog that the company was selling items resembling minors.

On Sunday (2 November), France's Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) stated it "found that the e-commerce site Shein was selling child-like sex dolls," alongside other pornographic products such as adult-appearing sex dolls, and referred the matter to judicial authorities.

In their statement, the DGCCRF said: "Their description and categorization on the site leave little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content."

French finance minister Roland Lescure issued a stern warning on Monday, describing the dolls as “horrible objects” and cautioning that “if these behaviours are repeated, we will be entitled to… ban access to the French market for the Shein platform,” he told BFM TV.

He added: “These horrible objects are illegal.”

“This has crossed a line,” Lescure said in a radio interview, noting that a formal investigation is now underway.

In a statement, Shein's executive chairman, Donald Tang, emphasised that all the said products have been removed from the site, stating: "The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for SHEIN. These were marketplace listings from third-party sellers — but I take this personally.

"Trust is our foundation, and we will not allow anything that violates it. Every related product has been removed.

"We are tracing the source and will take swift, decisive action against those responsible. We will also review our internal processes thoroughly and strengthen our safeguards to protect our customers and the integrity of our marketplace."

There will also be a "permanent ban" of accounts linked to illegal or non-compliant sex-doll products.

Getty Images

The controversy comes shortly after Shein announced plans to open a store in BHV Marais, one of Paris’s most famous department stores.

The store sparked public outcry, prompting a petition titled "PARIS MÉRITE MIEUX QUE SHEIN!" – or "PARIS DESERVES BETTER THAN SHEIN!" – which has already gathered over 117,000 signatures.

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