GoFundMe is struggling to block a surge of fundraising campaigns in support of Luigi Mangione, the alleged murderer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, despite the platform's strict ban on fundraisers for violent crime legal defenses.
Mangione, apprehended on December 11 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, was found in possession of the suspected murder weapon and a manifesto condemning corporate America and the healthcare industry.
The case ignited public outrage over health insurance practices, leading some to hail Mangione as a folk hero.
Following Mangione's arrest, GoFundMe has been inundated with fundraising pages supporting his legal defense, TMZ reported. While the company has removed all identified campaigns and refunded donations, new pages continue to appear daily.
The platform reiterated its Terms of Service, which explicitly prohibit fundraising for violent crime defenses, but the effort to shut down campaigns has turned into a game of "whack-a-mole."
Online, Mangione has gained a cult-like following, with memes and merchandise celebrating his actions further fueling the controversy.
Meanwhile, the trial of Luigi Mangione is expected to draw national attention, potentially influencing broader discussions on healthcare reform and corporate practices.
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