Luigi Mangione-themed merchandise is spreading across the internet, but major retail platforms are quickly shutting down many listings. Sites like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay have taken action against items that glorify Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
While eBay prohibits products that glorify violence, it does not explicitly ban the phrase “Deny. Defend. Depose,” which has become associated with Mangione. These words were reportedly etched on bullet shell casings at the crime scene and resemble the title of a 2010 book critical of the insurance industry, Delay, Deny, Defend.
In certain corners of the internet, Mangione has gained a cult-like following. Social media users, disillusioned with the healthcare system, expressed a lack of sympathy for Thompson’s murder. Following Mangione’s arrest, he became a folk hero—and even a heartthrob—to some, sparking a wave of merchandise bearing his image and slogans.
The sentiment quickly extended to online marketplaces, with products on Etsy featuring Mangione’s likeness and the phrase “Deny, Defend, Depose,” as reported by Morning Brew. Retailers like Amazon and Etsy have since taken steps to remove such listings, citing their policies against content that promotes violence or controversial figures.
Luigi Mangione is a controversial figure who gained notoriety in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Before his name became a fixture in headlines and internet discussions, little is publicly known about Mangione’s personal life or professional background. However, his arrest and the circumstances surrounding the high-profile case have turned him into a polarizing figure.
Mangione was implicated in the murder of Thompson, with evidence linking him to the crime, including shell casings bearing the words “Deny, Defend, Depose.” These words became a rallying cry for some who shared frustrations with the American healthcare system, propelling Mangione into the realm of internet folklore. In certain online communities, he is seen as a symbol of rebellion against systemic grievances, while others view him as a criminal whose actions cannot be justified.
