A shocking scene in front of the BHV. On Monday, November 3rd, a small group of activists gathered in front of the BHV, with megaphones and signs in hand. In front of confused passersby, a fake crime scene is set up to symbolize the supposed complicity of the brand in pedocriminal misconduct.
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Arnaud Gallais, president of the Mouv’enfants association, accuses Shein of selling online sexual dolls that replicate children's bodies. These items are said to be no longer accessible from France, but still available abroad, easily accessible through a simple VPN.
The association demands their immediate removal from the platform and calls for buyers to be identified and prosecuted, believing that they pose a potential danger to minors.
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Anger is Rising Against Shein and BHV
This action comes as the Chinese fast fashion giant is about to open its first store in the famous Parisian gallery. This opening has already been contested for social and environmental reasons.
Mouv’enfants demands the removal of Shein from BHV and condemns the government's inaction, accusing it of being complicit in the problem. Minister Roland Lescure has threatened the brand with a ban in the event of a repeat offense, but activists criticize this response as being too timid.
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Many passersby joined the movement, discovering for the first time the existence of these dolls. For many, it’s a jolt: the petition launched by Mouv’enfants has already gathered over 15,000 signatures, while another one against the BHV–Shein partnership has more than 115,000.
A partnership that’s cracking
The controversy is growing. After Disneyland Paris, AIME, Culture Vintage, and Talm, several brands have announced their withdrawal from the big Parisian store in protest. This Tuesday, November 4th, agnès b. also confirmed the
The Asian group, already fined 190 million euros in France for deceptive business practices and failure to comply with cookie legislation, will soon have to explain itself to the lawmakers.
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In the meantime, activists promise to continue their actions until the offending products are permanently removed from the site. For them, the fight against exploitation and the sexualization of children can no longer wait.