Global fashion marketplace Shein has taken down every sex doll product on its website after criticism that some listings appeared to resemble minors. The company was forced into action after France’s consumer protection authority raised alarm over how the dolls were categorized and described, stating that the product presentation suggested illegal content linked to child exploitation.
In a statement released on Monday, Shein announced that any seller suspected of offering such items has been permanently removed from its system. The retailer has also placed a temporary freeze on all adult-related product listings while a full review is conducted to prevent similar issues in the future. The company said it will tighten internal controls by introducing stricter seller monitoring and expanding its banned keywords list to stop vendors from bypassing detection.
Shein’s leadership emphasized that combating child abuse is a priority and insisted that the items in question originated from third-party sellers operating on the marketplace. Executives say they are tracing how these products were approved and have vowed to take immediate action against those responsible.
The controversy erupted shortly before Shein’s first permanent retail store is scheduled to open in Paris. The timing intensified public scrutiny, with activists gathering near the upcoming store location to protest. French authorities responded strongly, warning that the retailer could be barred from operating in the country if the issue persisted.
This incident adds to existing concerns surrounding the brand, which has frequently been criticized over environmental harm linked to fast-fashion and ongoing reports about the welfare of workers producing its goods.
