Shein, the fast fashion company, has removed an image from its website that appeared to show Luigi Mangione wearing one of its shirts.
The photo showed a man with features very similar to Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, modeling a Shein shirt, the BBC reported.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Shein said the image was taken down.
“The image in question was provided by a third-party vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery,” a company spokesperson said. “We have strict standards for all listings on our platform. We are investigating thoroughly, improving our monitoring processes, and will take appropriate action against the vendor according to our policies.”
It is not clear how long the image was on the website.
The BBC also reported, citing an expert, that the image might have been created using artificial intelligence.
“The image is low resolution, but there are a few signs that it might be AI-generated or altered,” said generative AI expert Henry Ajder. “This includes the lighting and texture of the skin, and a blob-like shape above the right forearm. The right hand also doesn’t show typical finger details.”
Shein did not confirm whether the image was AI-generated.
Mangione is facing state and federal murder charges for the December 2024 killing of Thompson in midtown Manhattan.
Since his arrest, Mangione has drawn significant public attention and has developed a controversial fan following, partly because of anger toward the health insurance industry and partly because of his appearance.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty.
