Shein April Fools’ prank just photoshopped image of happy, healthy adult factory workers

It's April Fools’ Day, an occasion on which people and companies alike pull pranks in an effort to help everyone decipher between good-natured jokesters and those who are just kind of assholes. 

Now, fast fashion giant Shein has joined the festivities by posting a heavily edited snapshot portraying happy, healthy adult factory workers.

“We actually had tons of fun with this — lots of pointing and laughing," began CEO Xu Yangtian. “First, we tripled the size of several 'youthful' employees and drew on some silly mustaches. You know, to make it look like they’ve gone through puberty.”

Pausing to catch his breath after a hearty chuckle, Yangtian continued.

“Then, we took their frowns and turned them upside down. Just in the software — the actual children are still very unhappy. Ha!” chortled the billionaire. 

The caption includes fake quotes from employees, beginning with “Work-life balance is readily available. I could take a few hours off to go to the doctor, but why would I ever want to leave all this just to hear some guy's take on my body? I already know my hands and feet are purple. It's my favorite color!"

Commenting on labor conditions, the bit of horseplay continued — "I’m so glad there’s no windows. Can’t have the cloudy sky dampening the bright fluorescent lighting, or I could mess up a stitch!"

Ultimately, the leg-pull concluded, “I’m energized and excited to spend my entire career at Shein, which I began working for at an appropriately mature age.” 

So far, reactions are mixed. While some initially thought the prank to be the result of a hack and others have criticized the post as being “mean-spirited” and “a little sketch,” all have returned to the website to place another storage tote-sized order for the price of a McDouble meal. 

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Photo courtesy of public domain via Shein