The tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4th, allegedly by Luigi Mangione, has sparked a series of complex conversations. When Mangione was arrested, authorities discovered a manifesto on his person that detailed his intense frustrations with the American healthcare system. Among the items in the manifesto was a strong endorsement of Michael Moore’s film Sicko, which critiques the greed and corruption in the U.S. healthcare system.
Many expected Moore to immediately condemn the act of murder, especially as he was mentioned in the manifesto. While Moore did indeed denounce the killing, his response was more nuanced than anticipated. In a lengthy blog post, Moore expressed that while he unequivocally condemns murder, he also understood the broader context in which Mangione’s actions were rooted. Moore pointed out that his films have long critiqued systemic violence, such as the ongoing devastation caused by the U.S. healthcare system and gun violence in America.
Moore’s argument was not one of endorsing violence, but rather an indictment of the system that perpetuates suffering for financial gain. He stated that while people may be angered by the system, the murder of Thompson is not the real issue. Instead, it is the medical debt, denied claims, bankruptcies, and general lack of affordable care that has led to widespread suffering across the U.S. Moore argued that the public’s anger is not about excusing murder but about the systemic violence that results in preventable deaths every day.
Furthermore, Moore critiqued political leaders who quickly decried political violence without addressing the root causes of the frustration that leads to such extreme reactions. He reminded readers that America’s history is rooted in violence, from genocide to slavery to its role in global conflicts, and that the system of healthcare in the U.S. continues to cause unnecessary deaths.
Moore’s response also emphasized that no one should die because they cannot afford medical care. The real tragedy, Moore argues, is that the U.S. healthcare system continues to profit from human suffering, and political leaders should focus on reforming that system rather than merely denouncing violence.
In sum, Moore’s remarks weren’t about justifying the act of murder, but rather pointing out the systemic violence embedded in American society, particularly within the healthcare system, which has led to countless preventable deaths and suffering. His response has spurred further conversation about how the system is failing the American people and the consequences of ignoring these issues.