Colin Jost reacts to SNL fans’ love for Luigi Mangione

Host of “Saturday Night Live.” Colin Jost He looked visibly stunned when the studio audience erupted in cheers after he mentioned that Luigi Mangionethe alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, during a “Weekend Update” segment of the show on December 21.

Mangione currently faces federal charges along with a New York State murder indictment related to Thompson’s death. Despite the accusations, he quickly amassed a polarized fan base online, with many social media users expressing conflicted admiration for the murder suspect, often focusing on his “sexy” appearance.

Colin Jost is married to an actress Scarlett Johanssonseemed surprised when the audience responded with enthusiastic applause upon hearing Luigi Mangione’s name.

After the audience applauded, Jost, who looked around unsure how to respond to the applause, finally said: “Yes… sure cool.”

“You’re courting justice, aren’t you?” he asked.

He continued the joke, saying: “Luigi Mangione dropped his extradition fight and was transferred from Pennsylvania to New York to face multiple charges. In related news, Bumble has exploded.

according to The IndependentAs of Thursday morning, Luigi Mangione had reportedly received 54 emails, 87 mailings, and 163 deposits into his commissary account — an inmate fund used to purchase items while in prison. While a company spokesperson confirmed the amount of support, they declined to reveal the total amount of money currently in Mangione’s account.

On December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was tragically shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan, where he was attending an investor event. The horrific incident has reverberated in corporate and political circles, raising concerns about security measures and the motives behind such a calculated attack.

A nationwide manhunt for Maggione ensued, lasting five days until his capture in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Upon his arrest, authorities discovered a 3D-printed firearm, a silencer, forged identity documents, and a handwritten statement. The statement is said to detail Mangione’s deep resentment toward the health insurance industry, and offers a glimpse into a possible motive.

This isn’t the first time Luigi Mangione has been mentioned on “Saturday Night Live.”

“We got Luigi… you know. And that’s good. I really feel sorry for the family. I mean everyone is fixated on how good this guy looks,” Rock said. “If he looks like Jonah Hill no one will care. They already gave him the chair. He’ll be dead, okay?”

The joke appears to be a reference to comparing Mangione to Jonah Hill’s “21 Jump Street” co-star. Dave FrancoAnd his brother, James Franco.

Last week, Colin Jost highlighted the irony of the shooter’s apparent anger towards corporate America, yet he still chose to visit Starbucks and McDonald’s.

“They found (Mangione’s) letter expressing anger at American companies,” Jost said. “However, he had gone to Starbucks before the shooting and was then arrested at McDonald’s.”

Then he delivered the final sentence: “So perhaps his greatest crime was hypocrisy.”

Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges in New York state court on Monday.

During his trial, Mangione faced 11 state charges, including murder as an act of terrorism. Along with these charges, he also faces federal allegations of stalking and murder, crimes that could result in the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecutors allege Mangione shot Thompson in the heart of Manhattan before fleeing the scene. After a massive chase, authorities arrested him at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pennsylvania.

Mangione appeared in court wearing a maroon blazer, white collared shirt and khaki pants. The courtroom was packed with journalists and members of the public, including a notable number of young women. Some attendees reportedly told CBS, the BBC’s US partner, that they had attended to show their support for the defendant.