The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies in the U.S., was shot dead last week in Manhattan, New York. On Monday, police arrested 26-year-old Luigi Mangione as the accused in the case. However, the public response has been far from outrage. Instead, many have come to Mangione's defense, supporting him as a "hero" and expressing admiration for his looks. This support has even led to a bizarre chain reaction, with people leaving negative reviews for a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as part of the online backlash.
Mangione? was taken into custody at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, reportedly after a customer informed an employee about him, prompting a 911 call.?
This led to a spike in negative online reviews of the restaurant on Google, with many commenters accusing the eatery of having "rats in the kitchen"¡ªa metaphor symbolising betrayal.?
One review? noted, "Wild that the McDonald's employee who snitched on Luigi Mangione probably can't even afford healthcare."?
Some social media users even took it a step further and hilariously connected the incident to former (and next) U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging that the employee who snitched was Trump himself.
The photo is from the days of campaigning for the 2024 U.S. elections, when Trump briefly worked as a McDonald's employee for a day.
The American health insurance industry has faced criticism for its steep costs, lack of transparency, and the financial strain it places on individuals.?
Even those with health insurance frequently deal with limited coverage, narrow provider choices, and overwhelming medical debt.?
Critics have long accused insurance companies of prioritising profits over the well-being of their clients.
This dissatisfaction with the system is one reason why many are viewing Luigi Mangione as a symbol of resistance against these perceived inequities.?
His arrest has turned him into something of an unlikely "hero" for those frustrated with the system's flaws.?
Adding to his unexpected fame is his striking appearance, which has left many swooning, with fans leaving flirty messages on his social media accounts.
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