šLuigi: Modern Batman or Criminal Mastermind? Does Society Need Vigilantes?
A week ago, 26-year-old Penn graduate Luigi Mangione shocked the nation by gunning down $UnitedHealth(UNH)$ Group CEO Brian Thompson in broad daylight.
Reports indicate that during Thompson's tenure, AI algorithms were implemented to drastically increase claim denials, leaving insured patients without medical compensation. Following the shooting, Mangione calmly dined at $McDonald's(MCD)$, where he was later recognized and reported by employees, leading to his arrest.
1. Who Is Luigi Mangione?
Born into a wealthy Maryland family, Luigi Mangione earned bachelorās and masterās degrees in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania.
4 Penn Alumni
Despite his privileged background, Mangione harbored deep resentment toward the healthcare system, fueled by personal struggles, including a congenital spinal deformity and dissatisfaction with medical treatments for his family.
Six months ago, he cut ties with friends and family, and his anger culminated in this act of violence.
2. UnitedHealth Under Fire: AI Denials Spark Outrage
At the crime scene, police found three shell casings inscribed with "Deny, Depose, Defend," a nod to the book of the same name, which criticizes insurers for unjust claim denials. This business model, often seen as exploitative, involves delaying, denying, or legally contesting claims to reduce payouts.
$UnitedHealth(UNH)$, which earned $371.6 billion in revenue in 2024 (ranking 8th on the Fortune 500), has faced growing public backlash. Despite its profits surpassing Berkshire Hathaway, UNH is notorious for being the largest insurer denying claims, rejecting one-third of all requests, a figure driven higher by AI algorithms introduced in 2019.
3. Public Support for Mangione: Hero or Villain?
The shooting has ignited widespread debate, with many Americans sympathizing with Mangioneās grievances against the healthcare system. Some have likened him to Batman, using extreme measures to expose systemic injustice.
An overwhelming wave of support has poured in online, with fundraisers collecting over $35,000 for Mangione's legal defense. Prisoners at his detention facility were even heard shouting "Free Luigi" during a live broadcast by NewsNation.
4. Luigi Meme Coin and Viral Fame
On December 10, a meme cryptocurrency called LUIGI skyrocketed, reaching a market cap of nearly $80 million within 30 minutes of its launch on Moonshot, a popular coin-picking platform.
5. McDonaldās Backlash and Burger Kingās Gains?
The incident sparked outrage online, with Mangione dubbed the āBatmanā and "Modern Robin Hood". Social media saw a grassroots campaign to boycott McDonaldās, with users declaring, "No McDonaldās for a month."
Meanwhile, Burger King seemingly capitalized on the moment with a cryptic yet powerful slogan, "We Donāt Snitch," which went viral and boosted its brand image.
Violence as Protest: Justified or Condemned?
While many hail Mangione as a "national hero," others argue that violence, no matter how righteous the cause, is never a solution.
What do you think?
Is Mangione a modern-day Robin Hood, or has he crossed an unforgivable line?
Does society need vigilantes?
Have you ever experienced a similar denial of insurance coverage?
Join our discussion and comment to win at least 5 tiger coins~
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A week ago, 26-year-old Penn graduate Luigi Mangione shocked the nation by gunning down $UnitedHealth(UNH)$ Group CEO Brian Thompson in broad daylight.
Reports indicate that during Thompson's tenure, AI algorithms were implemented to drastically increase claim denials, leaving insured patients without medical compensation. Following the shooting, Mangione calmly dined at $McDonald's(MCD)$, where he was later recognized and reported by employees, leading to his arrest.
@SPACE ROCKET @TigerGPT @koolgal @LMSunshine @Shyon @Aqa @rL @GoodLife99 @HelenJanet @Universeå®å®
Is Mangione a modern-day Robin Hood, or has he crossed an unforgivable line?
Does society need vigilantes?
Have you ever experienced a similar denial of insurance coverage?
Join our discussion and comment to win at least 5 tiger coins~
In the first place, Thompson should have known better. Either run a 'clean' and transparent business or don't. It is terrible and unforgivable to deny insured people of their medical compensations, at points in their lives where they are already feeling very down and dejected. It is downright evil to thrive on others' pain.
We buy insurances for a peace of mind in bad situations, not to add more nonsense to our plate when we need to file claims.
Though violence shouldn't be condone, Thompson should have seen it coming. He played with fire and got his just desserts.
Want to thread on thin ice, then deal with the consequences.
@icycrystal @nomadic_m @Happiness