The China-based retailer Shein faced backlash after using images of a man resembling accused murderer Luigi Mangione modeling its clothing.

The images went viral on social media, prompting users to question the company’s advertising decision. Shein blamed the blunder on “a third-party vendor” and quickly removed the ads.

Luigi Mangione Appears to Model Clothes for Shein https://t.co/BMMTK89Tde pic.twitter.com/CvrrhMYU9c

— TMZ (@TMZ) September 3, 2025

“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,” a Shein rep said in a statement, per Newsweek.

Shein is a fast fashion retailer known for its massive, constantly updated selection of trendy clothing and accessories at ultra-low prices. It’s extremely popular with younger shoppers, but has faced growing criticism over sustainability, labor practices, and intellectual property issues.

Mangione pleaded “not guilty” to federal murder charges following the December 2024 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. 

According to authorities, Mangione shot Thompson, a father of two young children, in a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination” as an act of “political violence.”

Thompson was gunned down in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, leading to a five-day manhunt that ended with Mangione’s arrest in Pennsylvania.

Mangione’s alleged targeting of Thompson appears meticulously planned, as The Daily Wire previously reported. Three 9mm shell casings bearing the words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” were recovered from the crime scene, which was believed to be a reference to a 2010 book criticizing health insurance industry tactics.

The Department of Justice is seeking the death penalty.

The case has sparked considerable public attention and led to a surprising show of support for Mangione. Former Washington Post and New York Times tech reporter Taylor Lorenz said during an April interview with CNN that the accused murderer was seen as a “revolutionary, who’s famous, who’s handsome, who’s young, who’s smart. He’s a person who seems like he’s this morally good man, which is hard to find.”