Shein removes image resembling Mangione, probes vendor

An image that appeared on Shein’s website showing a model who closely resembled Luigi Mangione, the man charged in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, was removed late Tuesday as the fast-fashion retailer launched an investigation into how the photo appeared on its platform. The item, a white short-sleeved patterned shirt, drew rapid attention from shoppers and observers while Mangione remains jailed in Brooklyn awaiting trial on state and federal charges.

A Shein spokesperson said the image was provided by a third-party vendor and "was removed immediately upon discovery." The company said it is "conducting a thorough investigation, strengthening our monitoring processes, and will take appropriate action against the vendor in line with our policies." Shein also reiterated that it maintains stringent standards for listings on its platform.

It is unclear how the likeness was created. Some reports said a facial recognition analysis returned a near-perfect match with Mangione, while others suggested the image may have been generated or altered using artificial intelligence. An AI expert who examined the photo cited signs consistent with...