Bill Maher Has A Word For Luigi Mangione "Groupies"
Deadline
β’Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:56:26 +0000
π° What Happened
Bill Maher had strong words for the supporters, or groupies, of Luigi Mangione in the opening monologue of his HBO show Real Time. Mangione pleaded guilty to shooting and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024. At his court hearing he changed his plea on federal stalking charges to guilty and spoke about building a firearm with a 3-D printer. Maher criticised those outside the courthouse who supported him.
π The Backstory
Mangione gained a following among some people who were frustrated with the healthcare system and saw him as a symbol of rebellion. His case has drawn huge public attention since the killing in 2024. Maher said one of the groupies claimed his guilty plea was not a concession of guilt, to which he responded sharply that Mangione just said he did it. The case raises hard questions about public sympathy for someone who committed a violent act.
π― Why It Matters
This case is a flashpoint in a wider debate about anger at the American healthcare system. How the public reacts to it says a lot about feelings of frustration at rising costs and denied care.
Bill Maher had strong words for the supporters, or groupies, of Luigi Mangione in the opening monologue of his HBO show Real Time. Mangione pleaded guilty to shooting and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024. At his court hearing he changed his plea on federal stalking charges to guilty and spoke about building a firearm with a 3-D printer. Maher criticised those outside the courthouse who supported him.
Mangione gained a following among some people who were frustrated with the healthcare system and saw him as a symbol of rebellion. His case has drawn huge public attention since the killing in 2024. Maher said one of the groupies claimed his guilty plea was not a concession of guilt, to which he responded sharply that Mangione just said he did it. The case raises hard questions about public sympathy for someone who committed a violent act.
This case is a flashpoint in a wider debate about anger at the American healthcare system. How the public reacts to it says a lot about feelings of frustration at rising costs and denied care.