SHEIN $11 Shirt Model Raises Eyebrows Over Luigi Mangione Likeness

A popular fast-fashion retailer is facing questions after an image on its website appeared to feature a model with an uncanny resemblance to accused murderer Luigi Mangione, as reported by TMZ.

The photographs, advertising a button-down shirt on the SHEIN website, sparked confusion as shoppers noticed the likeness.

Shein investigating after product listing has apparent image of Luigi Mangione | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/NELAMz8Dxd

— WISN 12 NEWS (@WISN12News) September 3, 2025

The listing showed a male model wearing an $11 shirt, and the resemblance to Mangione was quickly flagged online.

What was the story behind this? Shein just thought, “You know what, let’s use Luigi Mangione to promote collared shirts?” pic.twitter.com/qWWC3TxUUU

— Autism Capital (@AutismCapital) September 3, 2025

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While it is unclear if the image is the result of photo editing or artificial intelligence, the similarities were enough to raise concerns, particularly given Mangione’s current incarceration status.

Shein’s website appears to use Luigi Mangione’s face to model a spring/summer shirt. pic.twitter.com/nM1aReOdoC

— ig: wigsandtea (@wigsandtea_) September 3, 2025

Mangione has been in custody since December 2023, when he was arrested for allegedly murdering health care executive Brian Thompson.

He is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the same federal facility where entertainer Sean “Diddy” Combs is awaiting sentencing.

Given Mangione’s circumstances, it is unlikely he could have participated in a professional modeling shoot.

However, the images prompted speculation about whether the retailer may have used a manipulated photo or AI-generated likeness resembling Mangione without authorization.

Adding to the controversy, the shirt being advertised was nearly sold out at the time the photographs surfaced, with only one size still available.

[INTERNACIONALES] Luigi Mangione, acusado por el asesinato del CEO de UnitedHealthcare, apareció como modelo de prendas en la web de Shein, según TMZ: tras unas horas online, la imagen fue eliminada. https://t.co/jCIyOOSszz pic.twitter.com/Eqfw185mmJ

— ElCanciller.com (@elcancillercom) September 3, 2025

As of Friday, SHEIN had not responded to requests for comment regarding the matter. Mangione’s legal team was also contacted but has yet to issue a statement.

Mangione faces ongoing legal proceedings connected to the alleged murder of Thompson, who served as CEO of a health care company before his death. Federal authorities have said Mangione has been detained since his arrest, awaiting trial on the charges.

The unexpected controversy raises questions about image sourcing in online retail, particularly when artificial intelligence and stock photos are widely used in digital advertising.

Without clarification from the retailer or Mangione’s representatives, it remains unclear whether the likeness is coincidental, computer-generated, or an unauthorized use of his image.

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