Fact Check: Did accused murderer Luigi Mangione model for Shein?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A shocking online rumor has gone viral, claiming that the accused murderer, Luigi Mangione, appears to be modeling for fast fashion retailer Shein. Notably, Mangione was spotted on Shein’s website late Tuesday, September 2.

The 27-year-old man has been charged with the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The controversy erupted after a photo surfaced on Shein’s website showing a man resembling Mangione wearing an $11.69 floral shirt. The image quickly gained traction online, with social media users drawing a connection and sparking backlash against the brand.

As Mangione remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn awaiting trial, the viral photo has fueled a wave of outrage and confusion, raising the question: Did Luigi Mangione model for Shein?

False claim: Luigi Mangione did not model for Shein

While online rumors claimed that Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared as a model for Shein, recent reports have debunked those claims. Mangione did not model for the brand, nor did he leave prison to do so.

The confusion began when facial-recognition tools reportedly showed a 99.9% match between a Shein product photo and an image of Mangione from a court appearance. The listing, which featured a model wearing an $11.69 floral shirt, went viral before Shein promptly removed it from its website.

Experts believe the viral image was likely generated or manipulated using artificial intelligence.

"The image is low resolution, but there are a few signs that it might be AI-generated or manipulated," said Henry Ajder, a generative AI specialist, in an interview with the BBC. "This includes the lighting and texturing of the image, particularly of the skin, as well the appearance of a blob-like artifact above the right forearm. The right hand also doesn't appear to show typical segmentation of the fingers."

The viral rumor may have sparked global attention, but emerging evidence strongly suggests the image in question was not of Mangione, and may not have featured a real person at all.

Shein breaks silence on whether Luigi Mangione modeled for its product listing

Shein has issued a response after a product listing featuring a model who closely resembles accused murderer Luigi Mangione went viral online.

The listing, which showed a man wearing a floral shirt priced at $11.69, sparked widespread speculation and outrage on social media, with many claiming the model looked nearly identical to Mangione.

In a public statement, Shein clarified that the image in question was not of Mangione and had been supplied by a third-party vendor, Manfinity, which is known to use AI-generated models in its product photos.

"The image in question was provided by a third-party vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery," the company said. "We have stringent standards for all listings on our platform."

 Shein added that it is launching a full investigation, strengthening oversight of its vendor content, and will take action as necessary to ensure compliance with company policies.

"We are conducting a thorough investigation, strengthening our monitoring processes, and will take appropriate action against the vendor in line with our policies," the spokesperson continued.

Shein, a global e-commerce giant founded in China, has built a massive following, especially among Gen Z and younger millennial shoppers, thanks to its affordable, fast-fashion offerings. However, the company has frequently come under fire for alleged unethical labor practices and environmental concerns.

Shein has previously denied claims of forced labor within its supply chain, stating, "We want to make it clear that we have a strict code of conduct for suppliers which forbids them to use forced labor."