'He's only guilty of being hot': Why Luigi Mangione, suspect in United Healthcare CEO's murder, is being hailed as a hero

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the leading health insurance companies in the U.S., was shockingly murdered in broad daylight last week in Manhattan, New York. Now, police have arrested a suspect in the case, but the public's reaction has taken an unexpected turn. Instead of outrage, support for the suspect—identified as Luigi Mangione—has surged online, with the hashtag #FreeLuigi trending across social media. The buzz intensified after Mangione’s mugshot went viral, with his strikingly handsome looks leaving many people swooning. But what's really behind this strange twist of events?

Why are people supporting Luigi Mangione?

On Monday, following news of the arrest, social media erupted in an unexpected wave of support for Luigi Mangione, with many dubbing him a hero.?

Mangione's Instagram account, @luigi.from.fiji, sawa rise in followers, reaching 21.5K as the #FreeLuigi movement gained momentum across platforms as users have framed Mangione as a symbol of resistance against the system.

Much of this reaction stems from widespread disillusionment with the U.S. health insurance industry.?

Known for its exorbitant costs, lack of transparency, and the heavy financial burden it places on individuals, the health insurance sector has long been a source of frustration in the US.?

Even insured Americans often grapple with inadequate coverage, narrow provider networks, and medical debt.?

Critics argue that insurers prioritise profits over people.

Given this backdrop, the public's embrace of Mangione as an anti-establishment figure—and their disdain for the health insurance sector—is hardly surprising.

"He's only guilty of being hot"

Another reason for Mangione's growing popularity is his looks—social media users think he's 'drop-dead' gorgeous.?

After police released his mugshot, comments flooded in, with comments ranging from, "He's only guilty of being hot," "Damn, his mugshot makes him look even hotter than his other photos," and even, "A star is born."

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