Shein Under Fire: Childlike Sex Dolls Spark French Investigation

Shein, a popular online fashion retailer, is facing serious trouble in France. Authorities are looking into claims that childlike sex dolls were being sold on their platform. This investigation started after French Finance Minister Roland Lescure spoke out against it. He even threatened to ban Shein in France, just days before their first physical store was supposed to open in Paris. This isn't the only issue Shein is dealing with. Several retailers, including Shein, are being investigated for allowing minors to access inappropriate content on their sites. The Paris prosecutor's office is involved, and they've received a complaint from a consumer watchdog. They've passed the case to a special office that deals with issues affecting minors. Shein says they are fully cooperating with the investigation. A spokesperson for the company said they are removing the sellers who listed these dolls and will share their information with investigators. They also banned sex dolls and suspended their adult products category. The company's executive chairman, Donald Tang, said they are tracing the source of these dolls and will take action against those responsible. Despite these steps, a child-protection group protested outside Shein's new store in Paris. This situation raises questions about how online marketplaces monitor and control what is sold on their platforms. It also highlights the ongoing issue of protecting children from exploitation and inappropriate content.