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France refers Shein to prosecutors over childlike sex doll sales
France's consumer watchdog has filed a formal complaint against fast-fashion retailer Shein for allegedly selling sex dolls with childlike features on its platform, escalating scrutiny days before the company's first permanent physical store opens in Paris.
Regulator flags 'child pornography' concerns
The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) stated that the product descriptions and categorizations left "little room to doubt the child pornography nature" of the items, prompting immediate action. The agency has referred Shein to French prosecutors and Arcom, the nation's media and online regulator, according to local reports.
Shein's response
The company told the BBC it had "immediately delisted" the flagged products upon learning of the issue. In a statement, Shein added that its team is investigating how the listings bypassed its screening protocols and is conducting a broader review to remove any similar third-party vendor items.
"The products in question were immediately delisted as soon as we became aware of these serious issues."
Shein spokesperson to the BBC
Timing amid Paris store launch
The controversy surfaces just days before Shein's debut brick-and-mortar location-a permanent shop within a Parisian department store-signaling potential reputational risks as the brand expands into physical retail.
