Taylor Lorenz Stirs Backlash Over Comments on Luigi Mangione’s Cult Following

In a CNN interview, Lorenz described the accused CEO assassin as a 'morally good man,' drawing outrage from political figures and media critics.

Taylor Lorenz, speaking on CNN, defended Luigi Mangione's fanbase, calling him 'handsome,' 'smart,' and a 'morally good man,' despite his charges for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mangione, 26, is accused of killing Thompson in December 2024 in what prosecutors describe as a premeditated act targeting the health insurance industry, with the death penalty being pursued in his trial.
Lorenz ridiculed media outrage over Mangione’s supporters, likening their admiration to broader American tendencies to glorify criminals through media and entertainment.
Her comments reignited criticism from figures like Senator Ted Cruz and others, who accused her of celebrating a murderer and ignoring the impact on Thompson’s family.
Mangione has developed a significant online following, particularly among young women, who view him as a revolutionary figure and have elevated him to folk hero status.