France bans Shein in row over sex dolls

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The French government has said it will suspend Shein’s right to operate in the country after prosecutors opened investigations into childlike sex dolls being sold on the fast-fashion retailer’s third-party marketplace.

The announcement comes on the day the controversial China-founded company opened its first permanent location in Paris, amid vocal opposition from the rest of the industry, business and politicians in France.

“On the Prime Minister’s instructions, the government is initiating the suspension of Shein for the time necessary for the platform to demonstrate to the authorities that all of its content is finally compliant with our laws and regulations,” the government said in a statement.

“A first progress report will be provided by the ministers within the next 48 hours,” it added. 

Shein did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This is a developing story