Oftentimes, viral videos can bring attention to matters that need a little more than their 15 minutes of fame.
Recently, a TikToker shared a video of her allegedly finding “help me” messages on the clothes label from the famous fast-fashion brand, SHEIN.
The video claims that SHEIN uses child labour for their operations and that the kids are asking for help, presumably due to their poor working conditions.
However, SHEIN has since debunked these claims in their own TikTok video.
On 26 May, a TikTok video posted by @nohreo15 went viral for its allegations that SHEIN workers are sending “help me” messages through clothes labels.
In the short 11-second clip, the video shows flashes of numerous clothes labels containing short, distressing messages, such as “Help me” and “I have dental pain.”
It is worth noting that although none of the labels had SHEIN’s name, one of the clips contained the caption, “POV: the kids at SHEIN ask for help.”
Source: TikTok
@nohreo15 doubled down with the narrative when she called for others to boycott SHEIN in the comments section.
Once the video went viral, it spawned a slew of other videos with the same narrative.
One particular label has been used as an example.
Source: TikTok
This particular label has the words “Need your help”, seen in the middle of a long string of words.
On 3 Jun, SHEIN shared a TikTok video in response to the allegations.
In their response, they debunked all the claims of labour cruelty levelled against them, calling them “misleading and false information”.
Source: TikTok
Tracing back every picture to its source, SHEIN revealed that most of the labels with cries for help came from past stories of forced labour by other fashion brands.
Source: TikTok
Noting that one of the labels was “poorly worded”, SHEIN said it was simply an instruction asking customers to keep the fabric soft by using a softener.
The firm stressed that they take supply chain matters seriously.
SHEIN also has a code of conduct that includes policies against child and forced labour that they adhere to. “We do not tolerate non-compliance.”
As fashion trends evolve continuously over the years, companies and workers feel pressured to deliver according to consumers’ and employers’ expectations. Hence, fast fashion, i.e. highly affordable and stylish clothing, came into existence.
Despite the known negative impacts on society, such as environmental and ethical concerns, this category of clothes remains popular as it boosts consumer spending power and drives economic growth.
If you have concerns, you can read up on the good and bad of fast fashion, and decide where you stand between sustainability and affordability.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from TikTok & @shein_official on TikTok.
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