Luigi Mangione merchandise raises controversy, claims of glorifying violence
Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY
December 10, 2024 at 8:01 PM
From T-shirts and hoodies to coffee mugs and shot glasses, merchandise referring to the suspected gunman in the killing of
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan sidewalk is popping up on the internet.
Online sellers, looking to cash in on the sympathies that some have expressed for suspect
Luigi Mangione, have drawn criticism.
"Some attention in this case, especially online, has been deeply disturbing, as some have looked to celebrate instead of condemning this killer," Pennsylvania Gov.
Josh Shapiro said during a recent
news conference.
Among the merchandise is a Christmas ornament with
“Deny” “Defend” and “Depose” – the words found on bullet shell casings at the crime scene in New York – and “Free Luigi” stickers. Some platforms are taking down the merchandise, saying it violates their rules.
Etsy, an online platform where where the Deny, Defend Depose ornament is listed for sale, did not respond to a request for comment.
Suspected shooter Luigi Mangione is led from the Blair County Courthouse after an extradition hearing December 10, 2024 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
Online marketplaces generally prohibit the sale of items that glorify violence, but that prohibition does not extend to all Mangione-related merchandise.
“eBay policies do not prohibit the sale of items with the phrase ‘Deny. Defend. Depose,’” the company said in a statement. “However, items that glorify or incite violence, including those that celebrate the recent murder of UHC CEO Brian Thompson, are prohibited.”