Saturday Night Live’s” Weekend Update” section took a ridiculous move when the audience erupted in applause at the mention of Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The sudden reaction left number Colin Jost obviously surprised during the December 21 event.
Mangione, 26, has gained a questionable following since his December 9 imprisonment. According to changes leaders, he has received hundreds of letters from enthusiasts, alongside substantial reserves into his commissary accounts. The computer technology student’s “attractive” presence has even made him the subject of numerous social media jokes and debate.
During the portion, Jost mentioned Mangione’s title as part of a joke layout, only to be met with loud shouts, mostly from women in the audience. Taken away, Jost glanced offstage, strangely smiled, and bitterly remarked,” Yeah, absolutely’ woo.'” He added, “You’re’ wooing’ for fairness, proper”?
The reaction from the audience drew sharp criticism from reporters, commentators, and the public on social advertising.
” These people are freaking SICK”, independent journalist Nick Sortor wrote on X ( formerly Twitter ).
Publisher Jennifer Sey criticized the audience’s conduct, calling it a shocking display of hypocrisy. ” The Netflix visitors must be the dumbest cluster of sad woke conformists known to man”, Sey wrote. ” Here they praise for a magic spoon/trust donor murdering a man with some deranged Robin Hood ‘ I’m a hero ‘ story. Audience is stupid. And evil”.
New York Post journalist Piers Morgan even weighed in, slamming both the crowd and Jost’s effect. ” Colin Jost only smirks aside as if it’s all one huge smile. Terrible time for SNL”, Morgan wrote on X.
Mangione’s rapid popularity has sparked conversation about humanity’s fascination with legal figures and the ethics of turning alleged killers into virtual sensations. Authorities confirmed that Mangione has received over 100 parts of mail and important funds in his prison storefront consideration since his confinement.
While SNL has not issued a formal speech, the event has raised questions about the social implications of glamorizing accused criminals and the role of pleasure platforms in shaping public discussion.
