Hot ‘assassin' Luigi Mangione becomes a millionaire behind bars
Hot 'assassin' Luigi Mangione has become a millionaire behind bars after die-hard fans poured over a million dollars (R18m) into his crowdfunding campaign.
The 27-year-old, who's been sensationally branded 'America's most unseemly sex symbol', is currently behind bars, preparing to stand trial for the high-profile assassination of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson (50) on 4 December 2024 in Manhattan, New York City.
If found guilty he could face the death sentence.
Following his dramatic arrest in Pennsylvania, a GiveSendGo page was launched and to date money has rolled in from 28 000 fans to help cover his growing legal expenses.
'Even in a worsening economy, everyday people facing financial hardships of their own continue to provide monetary support for Mr Mangione,' his legal team said in a statement.
'And even as the legal system becomes weaponised in the service of the billionaire class, people across the world continue to insist on the right to due process and to oppose the obvious cruelty of the regime's attempt to kill him,' they added.
As he recently celebrated his 27th birthday, his fans inundated him with donations in honour of the occasion, with many contributing $27 (R486) to match his age.
'This is my 7th donation, and I will keep donating as long as I need to,' one fan said. 'You're fighting for your life, but know there is an army behind you, we're not going anywhere.'
READ MORE| From mugshot to memoir: Inside Jeremy Meeks' journey from hot felon to inspirational role model
'I rode my bike 27 miles [43,4km] the other day in honour of every year of you on earth,' another fan said.
Since his arrest, Mangione has been hailed as a 'folk hero' by many Americans. Some say they approve of Thompson's assassination, adding that they feel frustrated because even though they pay hundreds of dollars towards health insurance every month, they fight tooth and nail for compensation when things go wrong.
On top of all that, Mangione's distinctive eyebrows and supermodel face have turned him into a heartthrob with many fans.
In addition to rocking 'Free Luigi' T-shirts, they've been queuing up for tickets for Luigi the Musical which is due to open in June at San Francisco's Taylor Street Theater.
The creators of the musical are promising a unique blend of comedy and social commentary, stressing that it will in no way glamorise violence.
According to the show's website, all five of its initial performances have sold out, with additional dates expected to be announced soon.
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