Luigi Mangione, a suspected UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson murderer, has caught the world’s attention on the internet, which has created huge controversy. The phenomenon of cult heroism is nothing new; people like Ted Bundy, Richard Ramirez, and Jeffrey Dahmer received letters during their imprisonment, but this case has made a different story.
In the flurry of media attention to the murder of Thompson, there is speculation on Reddit that Netflix’s next “blockbuster” might be Mangione. More true crime series are showing increasing popularity. Some notable examples are ‘Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes’, ‘Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’, and ‘Mindhunter’- a blend of horror and drama, mystery and an exciting ride. The user suggested that Mangione’s story, filled with intrigue and mystery, could fit right into Netflix’s catalog, exploring themes of power, deception, and the blurred lines between good and evil, similar to ‘Narcos’ or ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’.
Some entertain the idea of Mangione’s story becoming a hit, but many on social media have expressed disgust at the glorification of his alleged crimes. One Redditor slammed the infatuation with Mangione’s appearance, saying, “His Tinder profile is everywhere, and so many people are going on saying he doesn’t deserve to be penalized due to his looks. Now, there’s merch for him, too. it’s completely grossing me out the way we glorify ‘good-looking crooks.'” The user compared Bundy and other criminal ‘beauties’ that gained notoriety over their appearance, continuing, “It really gets me concerned considering there already is proof out there that pretty privilege does indeed exist within the judicial system.
One of the commenters said that it is not just Mangione’s appearance that makes him popular, but “the mystery, the intrigue of the case, and general dissatisfaction with CEOs, people with way too much wealth, and others who abuse power.
He did speak out against the joy in celebrating the killing of Thompson. He was one wondering why people were being glories to Mangione as he committed his evil deeds. On ‘The Breakfast Club’ on December 13, he commented that “I don’t know why people are celebrating him getting killed. His kids ain’t got no daddy”. He continued, “That 26-year-old Luigi or whatever his name is, he gonna be in jail for the rest of his life”.
