“Defend, deny, reject” merchandise floods the internet

“Defend, deny, reject” merchandise floods the internet

As investigators continue their search for the shooter in the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, several online retailers have begun selling “Deny, Defend, Reject” merchandise. The words were engraved on bullet casings found at the scene of the crime, which took place outside a Manhattan hotel early Wednesday morning.


What you need to know

  • Several websites now sell T-shirts, hoodies and other items that read “deny, defend, reject.”
  • The words were engraved on bullet casings found Wednesday at the site of the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson
  • The phrase is believed to represent the commonly used tactic by insurers to avoid paying claims
  • The “Deny, Defend, Refuse” merchandise is part of a long trend of fast-release T-shirts capitalizing on viral news


Several websites now offer T-shirts, hoodies and other items emblazoned with “Delay, Deny, Defend,” which is similar to a phrase used by critics of the insurance industry to describe the tactics insurers often use to avoid payment to avoid claims.

Thompson’s murder prompted many social media users to complain about the health insurance industry and share their personal stories of being denied health insurance.

Some sellers combine the phrase with the UnitedHealthcare logo, such as a hoodie that sells for $49.99 on TheGoodShirts.com and already has more than 400 reviews. The site also sells a $29 T-shirt that combines the phrase with a Dunkin’ Donuts-style font and an image of a gun.

PunkWithACamera.com sells a similar T-shirt and combines the phrase with a depiction of the security camera still showing the shooter aiming at the manager’s back, while several other T-shirt companies sell T-shirts, sweatshirts and tank tops with the set offer a wide range of colors and sizes, including for children.

A website called OffColorDecals.com, which sells merchandise and firearms accessories for the left, is selling a “Deny. Defend. Dismiss.” Shell casing stickers for $5. The site also sells beer can koozies that read “Capitalism is trash.”

The “Deny, Defend, Ditch” merchandise is part of a long trend of quick-to-market T-shirts capitalizing on viral news that dates back to the “Free Winona” movement in early 2002, shortly after actress Winona Ryder was arrested for shoplifting. Since then, online merchandise makers have released products within hours of breaking news, including the photo of Donald Trump shortly after he survived an assassination attempt over the summer.

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