France Threatens to Ban Shein Over “Childlike” Sex Dolls

Just days before opening its first physical store in Paris, Shein is facing a major backlash in France.

Finance Minister Roland Lescure warned that the company could be banned entirely after the country’s anti-fraud agency discovered “childlike” sex dolls being sold on its platform — some of which French authorities described as resembling child pornography.

The dolls, reportedly about 80 centimeters tall and holding teddy bears, were removed by Shein following the watchdog’s announcement, and the company launched an internal investigation.

Lescure called the items “horrible” and “illegal,” confirming a judicial probe into the incident.

The scandal comes amid widespread criticism of Shein’s business model, labor conditions, and environmental record, as well as multiple fines totaling €191 million in France this year.

The European Commission is also investigating Shein for illegal products and environmental violations, adding to the company’s growing legal and reputational challenges across the continent.