French prosecutors open probe as Shein removes listings and vows to tighten content oversight
Shein has announced a global ban on all sex dolls after French authorities launched an investigation into the sale of items resembling children on the retailer’s website. The move comes just days before the fast-fashion giant is due to open its first physical store in Paris, amid mounting criticism over its business practices.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Singapore-based company said it had imposed a “total ban on sex-doll-type products” and had deleted all listings and related images across its online platforms. The decision follows public outrage in France after consumer watchdogs discovered listings for dolls that appeared childlike in appearance and size.
“These publications came from third-party vendors, but I take personal responsibility,” said Shein’s chief executive, Donald Tang. “We have removed the products and initiated a complete review to ensure this does not happen again.”
The announcement followed confirmation from the Paris prosecutor’s office that it had opened formal investigations into Shein and several rival e-commerce platforms. The probes were launched after France’s anti-fraud agency reported that Shein was selling “childlike dolls of a likely pornographic nature.”
French newspaper Le Parisien published a photo of one of the dolls that sparked the controversy. The doll, measuring about 80cm (30 inches) tall, was depicted holding a teddy bear — imagery that drew widespread condemnation from politicians and advocacy groups.
France’s finance minister, Bruno Le Maire, reacted strongly to the revelations, warning that Shein could face an outright ban from operating in France if it failed to take immediate corrective action. “Selling childlike sex dolls is beyond unacceptable,” he said. “If this continues, Shein will have no place in France.”
Shein moved quickly to withdraw the products from its site and launched an internal investigation before deciding to ban all sex dolls entirely. A company spokesperson confirmed that a dedicated team is now being established to monitor listings and ensure “the integrity of all content published by third-party sellers.”
The scandal has added to the controversy surrounding the company’s high-profile retail launch. On Wednesday, Shein is set to open a pop-up shop inside the prestigious BHV Marais department store in central Paris — its first permanent physical store anywhere in the world.
The announcement has prompted protests outside BHV, with campaigners holding placards condemning Shein’s alleged human rights abuses, environmental harm, and the recent childlike doll scandal. “It’s shameful that a brand facing such serious accusations is being celebrated in Paris,” said one demonstrator.
Frédéric Merlin, director of the company that owns BHV, acknowledged the public anger but defended the decision to host Shein’s retail space. “Selling those dolls was unacceptable,” he said. “However, only clothes and items conceived directly by Shein for BHV will be sold in store.”
Founded in China and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein has become one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, known for its ultra-fast production cycle and low-cost clothing. But the company has faced a barrage of legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny in Europe and beyond.
French authorities have already fined Shein three times this year, totalling €191 million (£163 million), for breaches including false advertising, failure to comply with online cookie laws, and non-disclosure of plastic microfibres in its products.
The European Commission is also investigating Shein for alleged violations of product safety laws and for selling items that may not meet EU standards. Lawmakers in Brussels have meanwhile approved new legislation designed to curb the environmental damage caused by fast fashion, a sector in which Shein is a dominant player.
The latest controversy has dealt another blow to the retailer’s reputation as it seeks to establish a foothold in the European high street market. Consumer groups have welcomed the ban but urged regulators to ensure ongoing monitoring.
“Shein’s action is a start,” said French MP Laurence Rossignol. “But this episode shows how dangerous a lack of oversight can be when profit is prioritised over basic human decency.”