Shein features Luigi Mangione's likeness to sell shirts, pulls listing after backlash

The Chinese fashion retailer Shein’s website removed an image resembling accused healthcare killer Luigi Mangione, used to promote a shirt, following backlash. A product listing showed Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, wearing a white short-sleeved button-down shirt priced at just over $10.

According to the New York Post, the item was originally labeled “Men’s New Spring/Summer Short Sleeve Blue Ditsy Floral White Shirt” on sale for $11.69 and nearly sold out before the listing was removed.

Other products also appeared to show Mangione’s likeness, which was likely created with AI, though it remains unclear how the images were created or how long they were live on the site.

The image spread widely on social media, as many individuals have continued to express support for Mangione despite the December killing. Others, however, condemned the ad. Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer wrote on X, "A new low! Who would have ever thought that the image of a man who is on tape cowardly shooting someone in the back would be used to sell clothes."

Shein responded with a statement to the New York Post, saying, “The image in question was provided by a third-party vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery.”

“We have stringent standards for all listings on our platform. We are conducting a thorough investigation, strengthening our monitoring processes, and will take appropriate action against the vendor in line with our policies,” the company added.

Mangione was arrested in December in connection with the fatal shooting of Thompson in New York City. In April, he pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and stalking. Prosecutors have indicated they will pursue the death penalty if he is convicted.