The case of Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has sparked unusual levels of public attention and support for a murder suspect. Mangione, whose family has ties to the healthcare industry, has become a controversial figure, with many of his supporters viewing him as a hero rather than a criminal. Some people are even more interested in his looks than the serious allegations against him, contributing to a unique public narrative surrounding his case.
The story took an even stranger turn when TikTok users began noticing a connection between Mangione’s alleged actions and historical events, particularly the French Revolution. A video from the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony resurfaced, featuring a segment where a depiction of Marie Antoinette is holding her head during a performance by the metal band Gojira. While the link between an 18th-century French aristocrat and the killing of a modern American healthcare CEO may seem far-fetched, some commentators saw a connection between the extreme wealth disparities in France during the Revolution and the present-day inequality in the U.S.
In the late 18th century, France’s aristocracy, including Marie Antoinette, held immense wealth while the majority of the population lived in poverty. Fast forward to 2024, and the wealth gap in the U.S. is similarly stark, with the top 1% controlling a significant portion of the nation’s wealth. This parallel has led some to see Mangione’s alleged act as a response to the growing frustration with the American healthcare system, which many feel disproportionately benefits the wealthy while denying essential care to the masses.
The reappearance of the Olympic video, alongside the timing of Thompson’s death, led some to speculate that it was more than a coincidence. Some TikTok users even suggested that the algorithm was trying to tell them something, given the political undertones of both the video and the murder case. Though the idea that France is subtly endorsing the killing is unlikely, the video’s timing may indeed reflect the resonance the case has with a broader American societal issue, particularly regarding wealth inequality and the healthcare system.
Mangione’s alleged manifesto, which reportedly resonated with many Americans, further fueled the public’s engagement with the case. As the story gains traction, it has evolved beyond a typical criminal case and has become a symbol for some of the frustrations and tensions gripping American society. Whether the parallels drawn between the French Revolution and modern America are valid or not, it’s clear that Mangione’s case has become an emblematic event for many who feel disillusioned by the current state of affairs.