Shein Faces Severe Backlash Over Disturbing Doll Advertisements in France

In a shocking turn of events, the popular Chinese fashion retailer Shein has come under fire for allowing the sale of a deeply troubling sex doll on its platform in France. This doll, which was marketed as a toy for adult male masturbation and resembles a small girl, is 80 centimeters tall and comes dressed in a beige outfit while cradling a teddy bear. The advertisement was chillingly straightforward, claiming the doll featured an 'erotic body' with a 'real vagina and anus.' This type of product sparked outrage among child protection advocates and government officials. Sarah El Haïry, the Commissioner for child issues in France, condemned the ads, declaring that these are not merely pornographic items, but rather 'pedophilic criminal objects.' The alarming discovery was made by the French Competition and Consumer Authority (DGCCRF) just days ago, yet the duration for which the advertisements were visible on the platform remains unclear. On Saturday, Shein announced that the offending advertisements had been removed. However, Frances's Finance Minister, Roland Lescure, expressed dissatisfaction over the response, emphasizing that a police investigation has been initiated. He warned that Shein may face a complete shutdown in France if similar items resurface on their site in the future. The French government possesses the authority to block a company’s operations in the case of repeated offenses related to terrorism, drug trafficking, or pedophilia, according to Lescure, who has reiterated this sentiment over various media channels. This incident comes at a particularly sensitive time as Shein gears up to launch its first physical store in Paris, a collaboration with the department store BHV, set to open soon. While the company is ramping up advertising campaigns to promote the store's launch, protests are looming due to ongoing controversies surrounding Shein, including ethical concerns regarding its fast fashion business model. Criticism has been directed at Shein not only for the recent doll incident but also for its impact on the environment and labor practices. Reports have indicated that workers involved in the production of Shein's inexpensive clothing face excessively long hours and inadequate pay. In light of these findings, the company is striving to defend its practices, claiming compliance with existing laws and regulations in its operational territories. Earlier this year, Shein was forced to shell out 40 million euros in fines to the French authorities for misleading consumers about its business practices. As this latest scandal unfolds, the scrutiny on Shein's operations remains ever more intensified, with government officials and consumer protection advocates calling for more stringent regulations against potentially exploitative products and practices. The fate of Shein in France now hangs in the balance, as both its online and offline presence face increased scrutiny. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2