Shein used the likeness of Luigi Mangione to model clothing

Summary

Fast fashion giant Shein faced controversy after using an image resembling Luigi Manion, accused of assassinating United Health CEO Brian Thompson, to model clothing. The image, sourced from a third-party vendor, was removed quickly, though the duration of its use remains unclear. ABC News could not confirm if AI generated the image, but experts suggest it may have been a hybrid of AI and photo editing. The incident highlights the growing use of AI in advertising, with companies like J. Crew and Coca-Cola experimenting with AI-generated visuals, raising debates over authenticity, job impact, and ethical considerations.

Takeaways

• 🛍️ Shein used an image resembling Luigi Manion, a man accused of assassinating United Health CEO Brian Thompson, on its platform.
• ⚖️ Luigi Manion has pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial for the alleged killing.
• ❌ Shein removed the disputed image after discovering it was provided by a third-party vendor.
• ❓ The exact origin of the image and how long it was used by Shein remain unclear.
• 🖼️ ABC News conducted an analysis but could not conclusively determine if AI was used to generate the image.
• 🛠️ Experts suggest the image could have been a hybrid, combining AI-generated content with Photoshop manipulation.
• 📜 Major AI companies have regulations preventing the creation of images of public figures, though less-regulated platforms may not enforce such rules.
• 📈 AI is increasingly being used in advertising due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to generate lifelike images.
• 💡 Companies like J. Crew and Coca-Cola have experimented with AI-generated imagery for marketing purposes.
• ⚠️ Critics of AI in advertising raise concerns about job displacement, environmental impact, and aesthetic quality.

Q & A

What prompted Shein to conduct an internal investigation?

Shein launched an internal investigation after an image resembling Luigi Manion was used to model clothing on their platform, which drew significant public attention due to Manion's criminal accusations.

Who is Luigi Manion and what is he accused of?

Luigi Manion is accused of carrying out the assassination-style killing of United Health CEO Brian Thompson last year. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial.

How did Shein respond to the discovery of the disputed image?

Shein stated that the image was provided by a third-party vendor and removed it immediately upon discovery, although the exact origin and duration of its use remain unclear.

Was it confirmed that AI was used to generate the image?

No, an analysis conducted by ABC News could not conclusively determine whether AI was used to generate the image, leaving the matter uncertain.

What is a hybrid image and how could it relate to this incident?

A hybrid image is one where AI-generated content is combined with other tools, such as Photoshop, to superimpose a person's likeness. Experts suggested that this could be how Luigi Manion's likeness appeared in the disputed image.

Are there regulations on using AI to create images of public figures?

Yes, many mainstream AI companies, like Midjourney, have strict rules against generating images of public figures, particularly political candidates around election time. However, less regulated AI platforms may not enforce such restrictions.

How did the public first notice the image resembling Luigi Manion?

People scrolling through Shein's platform noticed that a model wearing a white button-down shirt looked strikingly similar to Luigi Manion, which quickly sparked controversy online.

How is AI currently being used in advertising?

AI is increasingly used in advertising to create lifelike images and visuals cost-effectively. Recent examples include J. Crew and Coca-Cola using AI-generated images for promotional purposes.

What are some concerns associated with AI-generated advertising?

Critics argue that AI-generated content can lead to job losses, environmental impact due to computational demands, and in some cases, aesthetics that are unappealing or unnatural.

Why is this incident with Shein significant beyond the specific image?

The incident highlights the growing role of AI in advertising and the potential risks of using public figures' likenesses without consent. It also underscores the importance of verifying image sources and the ethical considerations in digital content creation.

Has Shein confirmed whether the image was AI-generated?

No, Shein has not confirmed whether AI was used; the company only stated that the image came from a third-party vendor and removed it after discovery.

What challenges do news organizations face when analyzing potentially AI-generated images?

News organizations face difficulties in conclusively determining AI involvement due to sophisticated hybrid techniques, lack of source transparency, and evolving AI capabilities that can produce highly realistic images.