French Government Suspends Shein Amid Controversy Over Childlike Sex Dolls

France Suspends Shein Amid Controversy Over Childlike Sex Dolls

In a significant move, the French government announced on Wednesday the suspension of the Shein digital platform, demanding compliance with national laws following a public outcry over the sale of childlike sex dolls. This decision comes as Shein opened its first physical store in Paris, drawing attention amid heightened security measures.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s office stated, "On the instructions of the prime minister, the government is initiating the procedure to suspend Shein for the time necessary for the platform to demonstrate to the public authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations." An initial review is set to take place within the next 48 hours.

In a related development, Shein announced it would suspend products from third-party sellers in France, although sources indicated this action was not directly linked to the government’s suspension.

The controversy erupted after the discovery of sex dolls on Shein’s website, prompting investigations by the Paris prosecutor’s office against both Shein and rival AliExpress. The prosecutor revealed that a man, previously convicted of sexual assault, was arrested after ordering a childlike sex doll from China, although the parcel did not originate from Shein.

Shein, originally founded in China in 2012 and now based in Singapore, has pledged to cooperate with French authorities and has committed to banning all sex dolls from its platform. The company faces mounting scrutiny as it navigates the complexities of international regulations and public sentiment.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for Shein and the broader fast-fashion industry remain to be seen, with many watching closely how the company responds to both legal challenges and consumer concerns.