MyPillow, a bedding company led by conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell, faced significant backlash after offering a discount on pillows for $14.88, a number often associated with white supremacist groups. The deal was marketed on many social media channels, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X (previously Twitter). The marketing included an image of Lindell clutching two pillows, as well as the contentious price of $14.88.
Extremists know the number "1488". The "14" alludes to the "14 Words," a slogan popular among white nationalists. The "88" is a numerical representation of "Heil Hitler," with 'H' being the eighth letter of the alphabet. Because of these links, the price sparked alarm among internet users, who denounced Lindell and MyPillow on social media. Despite rising criticism, the posts remained available as of Saturday afternoon, prompting hundreds of comments accusing the firm of inciting hatred.
Attempts to contact MyPillow for comment went unanswered. Lindell, who has a reputation as a fervent admirer of former President Donald Trump and a proponent of electoral conspiracy theories, did not reply to questions about the price decision.
Lindell has already made news for his role in spreading misleading information concerning the 2020 United States presidential election. In 2021, he launched the "Prove Mike Wrong Challenge," offering $5 million to anyone who could debunk his electoral fraud statistics. A computer forensics expert successfully contested Lindell's assertions, and early this year, a judge ordered him to pay the $5 million award. Lindell recently provided financial data as part of the legal processes, and the expert intends to collect the granted amount.
The $14.88 pillow sale has sparked renewed controversy, especially given Lindell’s history of promoting conspiracy theories. Critics argue that the choice of price either reflects insensitivity or intentional messaging aimed at extremist groups.