Conspiracy theorist and famous pillow salesman Mike Lindell is facing backlash online after his company marked down some of its pillows to $14.88.
On Friday, Lindell and his MyPillow business advertised the discounted products on social media, promising consumers the “ultimate comfort upgrade.”
“Sleep like a dream with our Standard MyPillow for just $14.88!” the posts read in part.
Below an image of Lindell holding two pillows is a large graphic prominently displaying the price.
Sleep like a dream with our Standard MyPillow for just $14.88! Use promo code R277 to snag this deal and wake up feeling refreshed every morning. Don’t miss out on the ultimate comfort upgrade – get yours today! https://t.co/CSOJIp3t1p pic.twitter.com/8ss7s3jLy6
— MyPillow (@MyPillowUSA) September 20, 2024
The number “1488” is a common symbol among hate groups. “14” is shorthand for the “14 Words,” a stand-in for a white supremacist slogan. “88” refers to an abbreviation of “Heil Hitler,” since H is the eighth letter of the alphabet.
The posts were shared on major platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X, formerly Twitter. As of Saturday afternoon, the posts remained online, with hundreds of comments denouncing Lindell.
Lindell, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, repeatedly boosts conspiracy theories. He falsely claimed that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Trump.
In 2021, Lindell offered $5 million to anyone who could win his “Prove Mike Wrong Challenge” by disproving data related to his election fraud claims.
In February, a judge confirmed that Lindell had to pay $5 million to a computer forensics expert who successfully took on Lindell’s challenge. Lindell recently handed over financial documents in the case as the expert tried to collect the money.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NPR shared Mike Lindell’s denial of promoting neo-Nazi hate speech raises questions about accountability. His controversial ads blur lines, potentially normalising extremist views in mainstream media. (Read more)
- Sky News reports Lindell’s actions reflect a troubling trend of extremist rhetoric in advertising. The implications of his words could embolden hate groups, highlighting the need for vigilance against such ideologies. (Read more)
- New York Post reports that while Lindell claims innocence, his messaging resonates with far-right extremists. This situation underscores the risks of commercial platforms being exploited for hate speech. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Mike Lindell facing backlash for his pillow promotion?
Mike Lindell’s pillows were marked down to $14.88, a number associated with white supremacist symbolism, sparking outrage on social media.
What does the number 1488 mean?
“1488” is used by hate groups, with “14” referring to a white supremacist slogan and “88” representing “Heil Hitler,” as H is the eighth letter of the alphabet.
Has Mike Lindell responded to the controversy?
As of Saturday, Lindell has not responded publicly to the backlash, and the promotional posts remain online despite criticism.
Why is Mike Lindell known as a conspiracy theorist?
Lindell has repeatedly promoted false claims that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was stolen and is widely known for his election fraud conspiracy theories.
What happened with Lindell’s $5 million challenge?
In 2021, Lindell offered $5 million to anyone who could disprove his election fraud claims. A computer expert succeeded, and Lindell was ordered to pay the amount.
