The situation surrounding Luigi Mangione has quickly become a bizarre and divisive social phenomenon. A name that was largely unknown just a month ago, Mangione is now the subject of unexpected idolization, especially within the context of a tragedy involving the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. What makes Mangione’s case so unusual is the widespread, somewhat paradoxical support he’s receiving, especially from Generation Z.
While it’s not uncommon for certain figures to be idolized after committing criminal acts—such as infamous killers like The Night Stalker or the Unabomber—Mangione’s case feels different. The public’s perception of him has crossed traditional boundaries, with even younger people embracing him in unexpected ways. This has manifested particularly in viral social media posts, such as a TikTok video from a Disney-themed event. In it, a DJ is seen playing Hannah Montana’s “He Could Be the One”, while a montage of Mangione’s photos is shown to the crowd, eliciting cheers and support from the attendees. The video captures a generation seemingly rallying behind him, not because of his actions but as a symbolic figure.
This support appears to be driven more by collective frustration with the healthcare system in the U.S., particularly with for-profit insurance companies like United Healthcare, which many people feel have failed them. Mangione, while not the figurehead of a formal movement, has inadvertently become a symbol of this deep-seated discontent, especially among younger people who are vocal about wanting reform. TikTok and social media platforms have amplified this sentiment, providing a space for people to voice their grievances about how they’ve been treated by the healthcare system.
The bizarre idolization is not based on Mangione’s appearance, but rather on what he represents in the eyes of many Americans, particularly Gen Z. The tragedy surrounding the murder seems to have been co-opted by some as a moment to express dissatisfaction with a broken system. While this support may seem odd or even misplaced to some, it highlights a larger issue: a growing public demand for change and a desire to address the failings of the healthcare system.
Whether Mangione’s legacy will be studied by future generations or largely forgotten, his case exemplifies a complex intersection of social media, healthcare criticism, and public perception, making it a unique and noteworthy moment in contemporary American culture.