Fast-fashion giant Shein has sparked outrage after it appeared to use a likeness of suspected UnitedHealthcare CEO assassin Luigi Mangione to advertise a shirt, with one user calling it “genuinely f–king diabolical.”
An image seemingly showing the alleged killer modeling a white, short-sleeved shirt went viral after it was spotted on the Chinese company’s website.
The image of the shirt — which was reportedly retailing for just over $10 — was later taken down, and the company said it has launched an investigation.
It isn’t exactly clear when and for how long the shirt was on sale, as Shein uploads thousands of products every day.
An archived posting of the product description for the “Men’s New Spring/Summer Short Sleeve Blue Ditsy Floral White Shirt” on sale for $11.69, reduced from $14.79, shows it was nearly sold out, with only nine left in stock, all size XXL.
Other grabs from Shein’s website appear to show Mangione’s likeness being used to market other products, with many suggesting the adverts are AI-generated.
Shein, a Chinese-founded company, has proven extremely popular with Gen Z and younger millennials by advertising cheap, fast-moving fashion trends.
However, Shein has come under heavy criticism over its business practices — including alleged forced labor in its factories, along with the destructive financial impact of fast fashion — allegations it has denied.
“The image in question was provided by a third-party vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery,” a Shein spokesperson told The Post.
“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 ad sparked confusion and anger on social media.
“Shein using AI pictures of Luigi Mangione on their website to model their clothes (insane way to start a sentence) is genuinely f–king diabolical,” one user wrote on X. “[I] knew that was a trash a– company, but Jesus Christ,” one X user wrote.
“Fashion’s gone wild. A seller on Shein is using pictures of Luigi Mangione to sell shirts,” wrote a second.
“Sellers on Shein will do anything for attention,” a third user added.
Mangione, 27, was arrested in December and charged with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel.
In April, he pleaded not guilty to all federal counts, including murder and stalking, and is awaiting trial.
Prosecutors have said they will pursue the death penalty if he is found guilty.
