Shein displayed an image of Luigi Mangione modeling everyday shirts despite Mangione being jailed as the prime suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, making it unlikely he posed or consented. Shein frequently uses AI-generated models and algorithmic tools for forecasting, dynamic pricing, and recommendations. The image may have originated from a third-party vendor or a rogue actor, with lighting and head positioning suggesting photoshopping. The listing was removed and Shein told the BBC the image came from a vendor and that the company is investigating. Shein faces new shipping costs after closure of the de minimis loophole and is preparing an IPO.
On Tuesday night, if you were browsing Shein's selection of "pastoral style gentleman shirts for every day," you might have noticed a familiar face modeling the clothing: a smiling Luigi Mangione. Mangione, the prime suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is currently in jail at the Brooklyn Federal Prison as he awaits trial. Given his imprisonment, it's unlikely that Mangione posed for the photo or even knew his likeness was being used.
The development comes at a bad time for Shein as the company deals with President Trump's decision to close the "de minimis" loophole, which had allowed businesses like Shein to ship products to the United States for free if the orders were under $800. Now, the company will likely have to pay extra to ship items and may pass on some costs to its already price-sensitive consumers. Shein is not a public company, but has been preparing an IPO for the second half of this year.
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