Shein Removes Luigi Mangione Model Advertisement After Shirt Almost Sells Out
Online retailer Shein has swiftly taken down a contentious advertisement showcasing what appears to be the recognizable face of suspected UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter Luigi Mangione.
The controversial ad featured an individual resembling Mangione, 27, beaming while modeling a men’s floral button-down spring/summer shirt. Priced at $11.69, the shirt was reported to be nearly sold out, despite being offered in just one size on the site.
“The image in question was supplied by a third-party vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery. We uphold rigorous standards for all items on our platform,” the company stated to TMZ on Wednesday, September 5, after the post gained significant online attention. “We are conducting a comprehensive investigation, enhancing our monitoring processes, and will take appropriate action against the vendor in accordance with our policies.”
Numerous social media users have speculated that the likeness of Mangione might have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI), given that he has been incarcerated since December 2024.
Mangione is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting trial for the murder of Brian Thompson in New York City. The Ivy League graduate confronts four federal charges along with 11 state charges, including murder, terrorism, and stalking.
Federal prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty.
As reported by Us Weekly, Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In the meantime, there has been no communication from Mangione’s legal team regarding the Shein incident.
Just last month, a federal judge approved Mangione‘s request to receive a laptop in jail, as Us Weekly exclusively revealed.
His lawyers submitted a letter requesting a personal computer for their client to “adequately prepare for trial and assist in his own defense.”
U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett signed a ruling on August 4, mandating the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) to “provide Mr. Mangione with the laptop prepared by the Government, granting him access seven days a week from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.”
