Louis Vuitton, after having exited the Russian market amid geopolitical tensions, is now registering new trademarks in Russia, indicating a potential return. This move aligns with recent calls by Russian President Vladimir Putin for foreign businesses to re-enter the market, potentially bolstering an authoritarian economic framework.

An OpenSecrets profile for LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, which includes Louis Vuitton, highlights that the company reported $81,776 in political contributions during the 2024 election cycle along with associated lobbying data. This disclosure, while promoting transparency, raises concerns about corporate political influence in a period marked by rising authoritarian tendencies.

The article highlights a scandal involving Louis Vuitton's ties to the Russian market amid international sanctions, raising concerns over the brand's ethical business practices and its political associations. The controversy questions the company's previous engagement with regions under authoritarian influence before its recent exit from Russia.

Investors, including Amundi, are pressing LVMH—the parent company of Louis Vuitton—to improve transparency in supplier audits and address labor rights concerns after allegations emerged of sweatshop-like conditions and extremely low wages at Dior subcontractors in Italy.

An Italian investigation into an LVMH subsidiary uncovered substandard conditions at subcontracted facilities producing Dior handbags, where underpaid immigrant workers face exploitation and unsanitary working conditions. The report calls for improved checks on external suppliers to enforce compliance with labor laws, drawing attention to longstanding issues in the luxury supply chain affecting brands like Louis Vuitton.

On 08 June 2024, Romania’s culture minister and the online community 'La Blouse Roumaine' accused Louis Vuitton of culturally appropriating traditional Romanian blouse designs from its 2024 collection without proper recognition.

A Good On You article from January 2024 criticizes Louis Vuitton for unsatisfactory labor practices and supply chain ethics. The report highlights that none of the brand's supply chain is certified under recognized labor standards, there is no evidence of a commitment to a living wage, and the company has taken insufficient steps to address forced labor concerns in regions like Xinjiang. These issues raise serious questions about the brand's commitment to fair labor rights and ethical supply chain management.

Louis Vuitton posted an Instagram message expressing deep sympathy for the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine and pledged a €1 million donation to refugees. The move aligns with actions by other luxury brands suspending operations in Russia amid geopolitical tensions.

OpenSecrets data reveals that LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton spent $380,000 on lobbying from January 1 to March 31, 2023. This expenditure reflects the company's active engagement in influencing public policy through corporate lobbying efforts.

According to OpenSecrets data, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton spent $280,000 on lobbying efforts during early 2023 as part of its political activities.

On February 16, 2022, 240 craftspeople from several of Louis Vuitton’s French ateliers staged a two-hour walkout demanding higher wages and better working hours. The protest was in response to the company’s proposal to increase wages by an average of 150 euros per month while reducing weekly working hours from 35 to 33, a change that unions argued would harm work-life balance and undermine labor rights.

On February 11, 2022, hundreds of workers at Louis Vuitton factories in France staged a union-organized walkout to demand higher wages and oppose proposed changes in working hours. The protest reflects ongoing concerns among employees about work-life balance and the company's labor practices.

On February 10, 2022, approximately 330 workers at several Louis Vuitton factories in France participated in a walkout, protesting low wages and demanding improved working conditions. Despite the company's statement citing a modest salary increase and reduced working hours, the protest highlights ongoing labor disputes and worker dissatisfaction.

Louis Vuitton faces backlash for selling a $705 scarf inspired by the Palestinian keffiyeh. Critics argue that the design exploits a culturally significant symbol of Palestinian identity for profit without proper acknowledgment, thereby undermining the dignity of oppressed communities.