“America’s Next Top Model”: Luigi Mangione Shein Ad Goes Viral As Company Rushes To Take It Down

Fast fashion retailer Shein is under fire after netizens noticed something strange in one of its listings. 

A product photo for a floral button-down shirt appeared to feature the face of Luigi Mangione, a man currently behind bars in New York for the alleged ass*ssination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. 

The resemblance caused confusion online, with many asking how a jailed suspect could possibly be modeling shirts.

The ad’s strange resemblance to Luigi Mangione sparked confusion and interest

Luigi Mangione in an orange jumpsuit escorted by armed officers in a viral Shein ad related to America’s Next Top Model controversy.

Image credits: XNY/Star Max/Getty

The ad, which circulated over Labor Day weekend, showed a man wearing an $11 floral button-down. 

The model’s face looked eerily similar to Mangione, 27, who has been incarcerated at MDC Brooklyn since December. 

Mangione is currently awaiting trial for the alleged m*rder of Thompson, making it impossible for him to have posed for the Shein ad legitimately.

Some speculated that the face was artificially generated, possibly the result of AI image creation, while others wondered if an old photo had been reused. 

Young man wearing a dark green sweater and protective vest, related to America’s Next Top Model Luigi Mangione Shein ad news.

Image credits: Pool/Getty

Either way, the uncanny resemblance shocked many, especially given the seriousness of Mangione’s charges.

Despite the controversy, the shirt listing nearly sold out before being pulled, according toTMZ. 

The viral chatter amplified the bizarre coincidence, fueling interest and sarcasm from netizens.

“That’s messed up. I was about to buy a dozen shirts for every family member,” one commenter joked.

Luigi Mangione smiling in a floral shirt posing in front of a gray background with the Shein logo.

Image credits: Shein

“This man doesn’t even know he’s Americas Next Top Model,” stated another.

“He signed a deal while he’s behind bars? Legend!” another commenter joked.

Shein blamed a third-party vendor for its Luigi Mangione ad gaffe

Shein later issued a statement about the matter, saying the company acted as soon as it learned about the apparentMangione ad. 

Portraits of Luigi Mangione, featured in viral Shein ad linked to America’s Next Top Model controversy.

Image credits: Shein/Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

“The image in question was provided by a third-party vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery,” a spokesperson told TMZ. 

“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.”

The company emphasized that it had no knowledge of how Mangione’s likeness ended up in the listing and promised to tighten controls. 

Still, the incident raised questions about how third-party vendors could submit content to online marketplaces, and how quickly mistakes or oversights can go viral.

Man in orange prison jumpsuit escorted by NYPD officers near a police helicopter in an arrest scene related to viral Shein ad.

Image credits: NYPDnews

Magione’s legal team has not commented publicly on the Shein incident as of writing.

Despite the gaffe, the incident did catch a lot of attention online. 

According toThe Guardian, searches for “Luigi Mangione Shein” on Google spiked on Tuesday, as news of the controversial ad spread across social media. 

Ironically enough, the controversial ad was quite positive for Shein too. By the time the “Men’s New Spring/Summer Short Sleeve Blue Ditsy Floral White Shirt” was pulled by the retailer, there was only one size left in stock.

Large urban building with parked cars outside, related to America’s Next Top Model Luigi Mangione Shein ad controversy.

Image credits: MDC Brooklyn/Google Maps

Despite his actions, Luigi Mangione has become a folk hero of sorts for some netizens

The case of Shein’s apparent Luigi Mangione ad quickly became one of the most talked-about Labor Day stories online, blending true crime headlines withviral internet culture. 

Many joked about the absurdity of the situation, while others questioned whether companies should be more transparent about how product images are sourced.

It also brought Luigi Mangione back into the headlines. In April, he pleaded not guilty to all federal counts, including m*rder and stalking.

Surveillance footage showing a person bending near a vehicle as police cars with flashing lights arrive on the street.

Image credits: NYPDTips

Prosecutors have hinted that they would be pursuing the d*ath penalty if Mangione is found guilty.

Some netizens, however, have also framed Mangione as a folk hero of sorts, especially among those who are opposed to the United States’ healthcare system. 

Mangione’spopularity has become so notable that some of his fans have rallied outside courthouses during his court appearances. Others have also contributed to his defense fund.

Online retailers such as Amazon and Etsy have observed a wave of merchandise bearing Mangione’s name as well, though the former has stated that it had removed such products from its website. 

Young man with dark curly hair wearing a black jacket and scarf standing against a light-colored tiled wall, related to Luigi Mangione Shein ad.

Image credits: BNODesk

Mangione’s popularity was evident even in social media comments about Shein’s ad gaffe.

“Free Luigi!! Also, that’s my husband!! He didn’t do anything wrong,” one commenter wrote. 

“He should be our national hero. Love you, my hero,” wrote another.

“Person of the year,” another commenter wrote.

Netizens shared their thoughts on Shein’s controversial Luigi Mangione ad on social media

Comment from Cyndi Dreiband reading From jail What reacting to content about Americas Next Top Model Luigi Mangione Shein ad going viral.

Screenshot of a viral Luigi Mangione Shein ad with a comment about sudden changes on social media.

Comment from Nicole Thomas Attaway about Luigi Mangione Shein ad going viral, predicting a killer career ahead.

Comment by Lillian Flores with laughing emojis, calling the moment diabolical and a legend, with 37 reactions.

Comment from Jeff Jamerson claiming he took pictures of Luigi related to Americas Next Top Model Shein ad controversy.

Comment on social media discussing a CEO's family reaction, related to America's Next Top Model Luigi Mangione Shein ad controversy.

Comment by Ivan Osuna saying he signed a deal while behind bars, expressing admiration and calling him a legend.

Social media post featuring Anthony Joshua McKenzie with a quote about killer prices, related to Shein ad controversy.

Comment from Dwayne West stating a John Wick suit is more fitting for bro in a social media post.

Social media post commenting on Americas Next Top Model, featuring Luigi Mangione Shein ad going viral.

Screenshot of a social media comment by Stacey Lynette labeled Person of the year, related to America’s Next Top Model Luigi Mangione Shein ad.

Comment from a top fan Dwan Brooks praising a lookalike in a social media post about Luigi Mangione Shein ad going viral.

Comment by Tiffany Burton saying so basically they put a man out a job in a social media post about America’s Next Top Model Luigi Mangione Shein ad.

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