SHEIN launches investigation as CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione appears in site listing
Mangione, who has been in prison since December of last year, appeared to model a summer shirt on the SHEIN website
By Aaron Sugg
Online fashion giant SHEIN has launched an investigation after murder suspect Luigi Mangione appeared in a now-deleted site listing.
The 27-year-old has been in custody at MDC Brooklyn since December, charged with the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His face, however, was spotted in modelling shots promoting a summer shirt on the retailer’s website, confusing shoppers since he has been behind bars since December.
The shirt was listed at just under $10 (£7.50) and quickly attracted attention before being taken down. It remains unclear whether the model was Mangione, himself, or an AI-generated image.
SHEIN has since confirmed the images were supplied by a third-party vendor. A spokesperson told BBC News: “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.”
Unlikely internet sensation
Despite the controversy, the shirt is reportedly almost sold out, with only one size still available.
This comes at a time when AI is raising concerns. Last year, the BBC publicly criticised Apple’s AI feature for citing a non-existent BBC report that Mangione took his own life.
Since his arrest, he has become a viral sensation online. Memes, fan accounts, and online forums have seen fans discussing his appearance, turning the accused into an unlikely internet figure.
Mangione is awaiting trial in the same prison where Diddy is being held as he awaits sentencing.
Charged with the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
The 27-year-old, from Towson, Maryland, allegedly stalked Thompson before fatally shooting him outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel on December 4, 2024. He was arrested five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where police found a ghost gun, a silencer, a fake ID, and a handwritten manifesto criticising the healthcare industry.
Federal prosecutors have charged him with multiple offences, including murder, stalking, and using a firearm with a silencer. They are seeking the death penalty, citing his alleged intent to provoke fear and normalise violence against the health insurance sector.
Supporters have raised over $1.2 million via crowdfunding, expressing frustration with the healthcare system and legal process. Despite this, Mangione maintains his innocence.