In a trend that’s all too familiar, alleged killer Luigi Mangione becomes online sex symbol

The arrest of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, suspected of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has ignited a frenzy online—not just for the shocking crime but for Mangione’s unexpected viral fame.

Social media platforms are abuzz with commentary about his looks, with users calling him “too hot to convict” and comparing him to Hollywood stars, writes Newsweek.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 19: Model / Actor Jeremy Meeks attends the premiere of BET’s “Happily Ever After” on October 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)

Online Obsession: The Rise of ‘Hot Criminals’

Shortly after police announced Mangione’s arrest, photos from his social media profiles flooded the internet, drawing comparisons to past viral sensations like Jeremy Meeks, dubbed the “hot felon” after his 2014 mugshot gained traction online. Posts about Mangione include comments such as, “The healthcare CEO assassin Luigi Mangione is soooo HOT,” and “Luigi Mangione got the full package, free him.”

While New York prosecutors have charged Mangione with murder, forgery, and weapons offenses, his surging fanbase is reminiscent of infamous figures like Meeks and even Ted Bundy. Meeks leveraged his viral fame into a modeling career, while Bundy’s charm earned him courtroom “groupies” in the 1980s.

Ted Bundy

From Crime Suspect to Internet Icon

Social media users have drawn comparisons between Mangione and actor Dave Franco, with some suggesting Franco should portray Mangione in a film adaptation of the case. One user wrote, “Dave Franco, pick up the phone,” while another joked that Ryan Murphy, known for true-crime adaptations, is likely already working on a Netflix deal.

Even celebrities have weighed in. Jonathan Van Ness of Queer Eye suggested the show dedicate a season to Mangione. “He really doesn’t need a makeover, but you all could def help him break down some complicated emotions,” a fan replied.

Mangione’s Outburst and Manifesto

As Mangione appeared at an extradition hearing in Pennsylvania, he shouted at the media, calling the situation “an insult to the intelligence of the American people.” Meanwhile, police revealed a handwritten manifesto found on Mangione at the time of his arrest. The document condemned corporate America and the healthcare industry, calling companies like UnitedHealthcare “parasites” that prioritize profits over care.

The Crime That Shook Corporate America

Mangione is accused of gunning down Thompson as the CEO walked to an investor conference in Midtown Manhattan. Thompson’s widow revealed he had received threats before his murder, and law enforcement linked Mangione’s writings to a deep resentment toward the healthcare industry.

While the charges against Mangione are severe, the online fascination with his appearance continues to grow, sparking debates about society’s obsession with “hot criminals” and the troubling implications of romanticizing alleged killers.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.