Merchandise containing the words “deny,” “gun” and “confess” — the same ones allegedly found on bullet casings found by police at the murder scene of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson — are flooding e-commerce platforms.
The phrase, probably related to the book’s title, “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It” was featured on hats, T-shirts and mugs sold on Amazon, per CNN. A source told CNN that murder-related merchandise has already been removed from their platform because it “violates company policies.”
However, Guardian reports that Etsy, RedBubble and eBay proceed to sell a variety of “Deny, Defend, Deposit” items. NBC News lists lawn signsstickers, mugs, fake bullets and Christmas decorations among the 100 items they saw.
While many products simply feature these three words, others feature Mangione, guillotines, weapons and targets.
Most online sellers prohibit sales that clearly incite violence, but eBay’s rules seem more unclear. A representative told NBC that “ebay’s policies do not prohibit the sale of things with the phrase ‘Decline.’ Weapon. Get rid of it.” However, items that glorify or incite violence, including those commemorating the recent murder of UHC CEO Brian Thompson, are prohibited. prohibited.”
Check here to learn more about alleged gunman Luigi Mangione, his possible motives, and the work that went into capturing him.