Shein AI Ad Scandal Features Accused Killer
Shein Removes Controversial Listing Amid Online Outrage
The fast-fashion giant Shein has confirmed the removal of a product listing from its platform after an image resembling Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering a UnitedHealthcare CEO, was used to model a men's shirt. The listing quickly gained viral attention on social media, with users expressing a mix of confusion and outrage over the use of his likeness to sell clothing.
The Bizarre Case of the AI Model
Luigi Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges for the December 2024 killing of Brian Thompson. The controversial image, which appeared to be either fake or AI-generated, showed a person looking like Mangione modeling a white, button-down shirt priced at $11.69. The likelihood of the image being artificial is high, given that Mangione is currently in federal prison awaiting trial.
Despite the controversy, the product was apparently popular. Before Shein removed the page, an archived version of the listing showed that three of the four available sizes had already sold out. Mangione’s attorneys have declined to comment on the matter.
Third-Party Vendor Under Scrutiny
A spokesperson for Shein stated that the image was uploaded by a third-party vendor and was taken down immediately after the company became aware of it. "We have stringent standards for all listings on our platform," the spokesperson said. "We are conducting a thorough investigation, strengthening our monitoring processes, and will take appropriate action against the vendor in line with our policies.”
The menswear vendor in question, Manfinity, did not respond to a request for comment. An investigation into the vendor revealed several red flags: its website features numerous images that appear to be generated by AI, its support email address is non-functional, and the Detroit street address listed on its site does not seem to exist.
A Growing Trend of AI in Advertising
This incident is the latest in a series of controversies involving AI-generated images in marketing. As the technology becomes more sophisticated, brands are increasingly using it, sometimes with significant backlash. For instance, Vogue faced criticism in July for a Guess advertisement featuring an AI model.
Celebrities have also been targeted. The likenesses of public figures like Taylor Swift, Tom Hanks, and Scarlett Johansson have been used without their consent in AI deepfakes to promote products.
The Polarizing Popularity of Luigi Mangione
The alleged killing sparked a nationwide debate on corporate healthcare policies and turned Mangione into a deeply polarizing figure. While condemned by many, he has also been hailed as a folk hero by those frustrated with the American healthcare system. This has led to the commercialization of his image before.
Mangione has gained significant popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in China on social media apps like RedNote. In the U.S., e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Etsy previously had to crack down on fan-made merchandise featuring his likeness shortly after the shooting last year.
