It’s ordinary for people to idolise high achievers and disruptors. But TikTok is rewriting the rules of obsession—and the poster boy of this bizarre trend is Luigi Mangione. At 26, he has become a viral sensation not for a talent or a cause, but for his fade haircut, on-fleek eyebrows, and undeniable good looks. What’s shocking? He’s also facing murder charges.
Mangione, an Ivy League graduate, stands accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4. Across three jurisdictions, he faces 20 charges, including federal counts that could lead to the death penalty. Still, the online buzz isn’t centred on justice—it’s about Mangione’s style, charisma, and ‘Italian good looks.’
The Courtroom Crush: When Looks Trump Crime
What should have been a courtroom filled with tension has turned into a social media circus. Independent journalist Taylor Lorenz told CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan that she wasn’t surprised by the public’s reaction: “We stan murderers and give them Netflix shows,” she said, emphasising America’s long-standing romanticisation of criminals.
Mangione’s trial isn’t just a legal proceeding; it’s become a public spectacle. Women are showing up to court just to catch a glimpse. His Instagram comments range from “So handsome!!!” to “Guilty for being hot.” One fan even speculated, “He’ll probably be acquitted,” while another joked, “Bros probably the most liked person in the states; he does NOT need that much security.”
Style Statements Behind Bars
When Mangione was extradited from Pennsylvania to Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Centre, people noticed one thing—his fresh haircut and defined brows. His appearance in an orange jumpsuit sparked another flurry of attention, with netizens swooning over his looks rather than discussing the gravity of the case.
In one court appearance, he wore a burgundy sweater over a white-collared shirt. That sweater? It sold out online after fans tracked it down. As TikTokers analysed his taper fade and speculated on prison grooming practices, one creator remarked, “They won’t take care of you the way Luigi is being taken care of unless they are on your side.”
A Viral Fashion Icon in Court
The fascination with Mangione has extended beyond American borders. At Brazil’s Federal University of Minas Gerais, students organised a Luigi Mangione Lookalike Contest. Online, videos of fans tattooing his image on themselves have gone viral, cementing his status as an unlikely icon.
Though he stands trial for a heinous crime, Luigi Mangione is capturing the internet’s imagination. His rise as a symbol of attraction, fashion, and controversy highlights an unsettling trend: for some, a perfect fade and piercing gaze outweigh allegations of murder.
