Luigi Mangione’s grin and Prada-like court attire fuels online obsession amid trial

A photo of Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of murdering

UnitedHealthcare CEO

Brian Thompson, smiling as he left court has ignited a social media storm. Mangione, who pleaded not guilty to state murder and terrorism charges, is now being held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center.
The photo that broke the internet
The image, showing Mangione grinning from the back seat of a car as he left criminal court on December 23, quickly went viral. It’s the latest in a series of photos of the accused that have captivated online audiences. From memes portraying him as a fashion icon to posts hailing him as a symbol of resistance against America's private healthcare system, the internet's fascination with Mangione is growing.

On X (formerly Twitter), a compilation of Mangione's courtroom photos has racked up over 9.1 million views. Another post, titled "Luigi Mangione proves in court he does NOT have bad angles," has gained significant traction.

Supporters and critics clash online
Outside the courthouse, protestors chanted "Free Luigi," while inside, a group of 24 women reportedly attended to show their support for Mangione. Crowdfunding efforts for his legal defense have surpassed $187,000, and fan mail is piling up at the detention center.

However,

Manhattan District Attorney

Alvin Bragg has taken a firm stance, stating, "In its most basic terms, this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror."

Fashion world weighs in
The viral discourse has even reached the fashion world. Instagram account Diet Prada compared Mangione's court attire to Prada's Spring/Summer 2013 collection, sparking further fascination.

What’s Next for Mangione?
Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, criticized the intense media focus, stating he’s being “treated like political fodder.” Despite the online spectacle, Mangione’s next court appearance is set for January 18, 2025, where he will face state homicide charges.
As the legal process unfolds, the internet’s obsession with Mangione shows no signs of waning, making him an unlikely cultural phenomenon amid a high-profile trial.