When Luigi Mangione’s name first appeared in headlines, it was for the shocking accusation of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. However, in certain corners of the internet- especially within LGBTQ+ circles – the focus quickly shifted to speculation about his sexuality. Questions like “Is Luigi Mangione bisexual?” or “Is he gay?” began trending, alongside a flood of memes, fancams, and conspiracy theories.
Here’s a breakdown of the frenzy, examining what we know and what’s purely internet-fuelled fiction.
Who Is Luigi Mangione?
Mangione, 26, was arrested on December 9 at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after being recognised by an employee. He faces charges for second-degree murder and multiple gun offences tied to a December 4 shooting in Midtown Manhattan. Authorities say Mangione left a three-page handwritten manifesto criticising corporate greed in the healthcare industry, and they believe he acted alone.
Before his arrest, Mangione seemed destined for success. A valedictorian at Baltimore’s prestigious Gilman School, he went on to the University of Pennsylvania, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in engineering by 2020. His last known residence was in a co-living community in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he lived until April 2022.
How Did Speculation About His Sexuality Begin?
Once Mangione’s arrest made news, online sleuths began poring over his social media profiles. They unearthed a diverse array of posts, including shirtless selfies, reflections on his spinal surgery, critiques of Western capitalism, and mentions of right-wing figures like Peter Thiel.
It didn’t take long for Mangione’s appearance to overshadow the serious charges he faces. Social media users described him as “hot” and “sexy,” with fan edits praising his smile and abs. These thirst posts fuelled speculation about his personal life, including his sexual orientation. Despite rampant rumours, there’s no credible evidence to confirm Mangione’s sexuality, whether bisexual, gay, or otherwise.
Memes, Misinformation, and Myth-Making
The internet’s rapid “memeification” of Mangione created a perfect storm of disinformation. Fake screenshots, unverifiable “leaks,” and baseless claims about his past spread across platforms. Some users portrayed him as a modern-day Robin Hood, fighting against corporate greed, while others drew superficial comparisons to pop culture antiheroes.
Mangione’s known online activity reveals eclectic interests, from posts referencing the Unabomber’s manifesto to critiques of caffeine addiction and the healthcare system. However, his beliefs appear to defy easy categorisation, reflecting an individual exploring a mix of mainstream and fringe ideologies.
The LGBTQ+ Internet’s Obsession
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LGBTQ+ users contributed to the buzz with thirst tweets and “Free Luigi” memes. These posts ranged from ironic admiration to explicit fantasies, blurring the lines between dark humour, fascination, and misplaced adoration.
While such reactions might seem light-hearted or absurd, they highlight larger cultural issues. Social media often turns criminal suspects into viral sensations, raising ethical questions about how we consume and react to news.
What Comes Next?
Mangione’s sexuality remains unconfirmed, and investigators are focused on understanding his motives for targeting Thompson. The internet’s fixation on whether he’s bisexual or gay reflects society’s tendency to latch onto sensational elements, even in the midst of serious allegations.
For now, any claims about Mangione’s personal life remain speculative. As the story unfolds, more details about his beliefs and motivations may emerge. Until then, the viral discourse surrounding his sexuality underscores our culture’s obsession with turning even the darkest events into internet spectacles.
