What’s New
Support for Luigi Mangione, the alleged assassin of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has spread beyond the United States, with a look-alike contest for the 26-year-old taking place at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil on Thursday.
Newsweek has reached out to the Federal University of Minas Gerais for comment via email on Saturday evening.
Why It Matters
Mangione and Thompson’s murder have sparked discussions about the private health insurance industry in the U.S. Mangione has become an internet sensation, with some supporters hailing him as a folk hero, while others have praised his appearance.
On the other hand, non-supporters have balked at the praise the alleged assassin has received. Mangione faces federal charges of murder and stalking, along with New York state charges, including murder in furtherance of terrorism.
Look-alike contests of celebrities have gained popularity in recent months, including a widely covered event in October at Washington Square Park in New York that drew participants resembling actor Timothée Chalamet. The actor shocked dozens of fans when he arrived at the contest.
What To Know
On December 4, Thompson was fatally shot by a masked gunman as he was walking to his company’s annual investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown. Days later, Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, at a McDonald’s. He has pleaded not guilty to forgery and weapons charges filed against him in the Keystone State.
Mangione was extradited from Pennsylvania to New York City on Thursday where he was escorted by dozens of police officers and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. He is being held at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Meanwhile, students from Federal University of Minas Gerais organized a look-alike contest of the alleged assassin on Thursday.
In a video posted on social media by the Brazilian outlet Metrópoles, a participant is seen smiling shirtless as dozens of people raise their hands in support of his resemblance to Mangione. A post on X, formerly known as Twitter, featuring the event flyer garnered more than 1 million views. The flyer included both a headshot of Mangione and a shirtless photo.
Other Mangione look-alike contests have taken place in the U.S. including at the University of Florida, University of North Texas, and in New York City.
Mangione isn’t the only suspect to receive fandom over his appearance in recent history. Jeremy Meeks, a former member of the Crips gang, was dubbed “hot convict” and “mug shot hottie” after he was arrested in 2014 when police released his mugshot to the public.
Since Mangione’s arrest, fans have made posters depicting him as a saint, donated to campaigns supporting his legal fees, and, most recently, created fake album covers featuring Mangione’s perp walk.
What People Are Saying
Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres, of New York, warned about Mangione’s notable police escort earlier this week, writing in a Saturday X post: “The criminal justice system should treat Luigi Mangione as it would any assassin. Elevating Mangione to a mythical status only serves to deepen his delusions of grandeur.”
Attorney and former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani previously told Newsweek: “I’ve never seen an alleged murderer receive so much sympathy. To many people, Mangione is a hero of sorts.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at a press conference Tuesday: “This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation. It occurred in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatening the safety of local residents and tourists alike, commuters and businesspeople just starting out on their day.”
Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, in Jacobin: “What you’re seeing, the outpouring of anger at the insurance companies, is a reflection of how people feel about the current health care system. It is broken. It is cruel.”
What Happens Next
As of now, Mangione’s next court appearance is schedule for January 18, 2025.
The post Luigi Mangione’s Fandom Goes Global: Look-Alike Contest in Brazil appeared first on Newsweek.
