The Mangione Trial

Osad

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  How a murder case fuelled a culture war 11.08.2026 27min

  Since the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the case against Luigi Mangione has become about more than just the evidence that will be tested in court. Across politics, social media and the news media, competing groups have sought to frame the story through their own lens, linking it to debates about left-wing violence, Antifa, healthcare, political extremism and public anger at powerful institutions.In this episode, BBC journalist and extremism expert Mike Wendling helps untangle the claims, examining what terms such as "far left" and "Antifa" actually mean, why some commentators have associated them with the case, and what evidence exists about Mangione's political views. The episode also explores how a high-profile criminal case can become a political symbol, even when the facts are disputed and a trial has yet to take place.Host Jordan Dunbar also looks at parallels from Japan following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, asking how public reactions to shocking acts of violence can evolve into wider debates about social grievances, political division and systemic change.Luigi Mangione denies all charges against him. So how did a murder case become a culture war, and what happens when politics starts shaping the story before a jury hears the evidence?
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  Brand new episodes launch ahead of trial 10.08.2026 1min

  Jordan Dunbar will be back with new episodes dropping from tomorrow leading up to trial, looking at issues surrounding the Luigi Mangione case.
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  The Tupac Trial - from Fame Under Fire 06.08.2026 25min

  Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur was fatally shot on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada prosecutors are preparing for the trial of the only person ever charged in connection with the rapper’s death. Duane “Keffe D” Davis has pleaded not guilty to murder and denies the allegations against him. But Keffe D is not accused of firing the fatal shots. So how can prosecutors seek to convict him of murder? And why was he arrested in 2023, decades after investigators first suspected he was in the car? Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Fame under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent break down everything you need to know before the trial. Could Suge Knight testify? Could Sean “Diddy” Combs be drawn into the case? For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial Anoushka will be in the Las Vegas courtroom every day to bring you updates. Make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing.If you enjoy this episode, you can find more episodes of Fame Under Fire on BBC Sounds. If you’re outside the UK, you can listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your BBC podcasts.Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards
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  Mangione won’t face death penalty 30.01.2026 21min

  Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a federal judge has ruled. US District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal firearms charges against Mangione. These had carried the possibility of the death penalty. Judge Garnett left in place charges against Mangione that can still bring a maximum punishment of life in prison. She has given the US government 30 days to challenge her decision.Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.This podcast takes a step back to unpick the facts and conspiracies, and we'll explain what happens in court. If you have heard of a claim you want us to fact check, or a question for us to tackle, email us at themangionetrial@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp: 0330 678 33 63
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  Court update: The battle over evidence 19.12.2025 20min

  A marathon three weeks of pre-trial hearing has just ended in Luigi Mangione’s New York state trial - what have we learnt?The defence have been arguing over what evidence should be kept out of the upcoming state trial for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan in December 2024.This includes statements made to the police during Mangione’s arrest, items found on him and in his backpack.Judge Carro will decide what will be shown to the jury when the trial is eventually scheduled which could have big implications for the case.Jordan Dunbar is joined from New York by Terri Austin former trial attorney and Matthew Lee Senior Reporter at Inner City Press to discuss the key moments in the case and what new information has come to light.In addition to the New York state criminal proceedings, Mangione also faces federal murder charges, which could lead to the death penalty.Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.This podcast takes a step back to unpick the facts and conspiracies, and we'll explain what happens in court. If you have heard of a claim you want us to fact check, or a question for us to tackle, email us at themangionetrial@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp: 0330 678 33 63
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  Court update: Mangione terror charges dropped 16.09.2025 11min

  This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates. A judge in New York state has dismissed two terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. However, Judge Gregory Carro ruled a charge of second-degree murder against Mangione could stand. The judge also rejected the defence team's request to delay the state trial until the conclusion of Mangione's federal trial.During the hearing on Tuesday the judge ruled that trial hearings would begin on 1 December. In addition to the New York state criminal proceedings, Mangione also faces federal murder charges, which could lead to the death penalty. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Jordan Dunbar provides a full update on today’s hearing, and other developments in the case.Got a claim you want us to fact check? Email: themangionetrial@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp: +44 330 678 33 63You can watch this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4dqQA7wr_EnhoqLNVKsFBtE
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  Politics and appearance: Mangione's supporters explained 14.05.2025 27min

  A deep dive into the supporters of Luigi Mangione, featuring some exclusive new data, and considering how this case might be influencing US social attitudes to political violence. BBC World Service Disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield joins us to discuss why some people around the world have taken to this case so passionately. We’re also joined by Joel Finkelstein, from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) and Ioana Literat, a communications specialist from Columbia University Teacher’s College. While the murder may have taken place in the US, the reaction was truly global. Some of the posts and opinions normally associated with the extremes of the internet moved into the mainstream with some people on TikTok, Instagram and X getting involved. From healthcare reform to anti-capitalist sentiment, the reasons behind the online support toward murder suspect Luigi Mangione are incredibly varied. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of murder, firearms offences and stalking. The 27-year-old may face two trials, as he has also pleaded not guilty to state charges for murder. The Mangione Trial podcast takes a step back to unpick and understand the facts and conspiracies surrounding this case. We explore why this story has engrossed so many different people around the world and bring you major news updates as they happen. Got a claim you want us to fact check? Email: themangionetrial@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp: +44 330 678 33 63 If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4dqQA7wr_EnhoqLNVKsFBtE
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  Behind the memes: Luigi Mangione and Brian Thompson 07.05.2025 25min

  A deep dive into the lives of Luigi Mangione and the man he is accused of murdering – healthcare executive Brian Thompson. Who is the real Luigi Mangione and what do we know about his alleged victim? BBC reporter Mike Wendling joins us from Chicago to tell us more about the health insurance CEO Brian Thompson, who was gunned down outside a New York hotel. In his first broadcast interview, a friend and colleague of Brian Thompson shares recollections of the health insurance executive. From Luigi Mangione’s hometown, journalist Julie Scharper, from the online newspaper The Baltimore Banner, discusses the background of the Mangione family and sheds light on Luigi Mangione’s movements in 2024. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of murder, firearms offences and stalking. The 27-year-old will now face two trials, as he has also pleaded not guilty to state charges for murder. The Mangione Trial podcast takes a step back to unpick and understand the facts and conspiracies surrounding this case. We explore why this story has engrossed so many different people around the world and bring you major news updates as they happen. Got a claim you want us to fact check? Email: themangionetrial@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp: +44 330 678 33 63 If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4dqQA7wr_EnhoqLNVKsFBtE
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  The Mangione conspiracy theories 30.04.2025 33min

  Pokemon, number 286, eyebrow length – we explore the popularity of conspiracy theories and where they come from. This episode unpicks some of these theories and why they spread on platforms like TikTok and Reddit. Over three million posts went up on social media the week after the shooting of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the arrest of suspect Luigi Mangione in December 2024. While the many posts expressed horror at a cold blooded murder, some shared theories about the case. Luigi Mangione denies the charges against him. This episode will explore why this case has engrossed so many different people around the world and ask why conspiracies have become so popular in online culture. Jordan Dunbar speaks to disinformation journalist David Gilbert of Wired magazine and clinical psychologist Dr Shauna Bowes. They examine why this case garnered such attention online. The Mangione Trial podcast takes a step back to unpick and understand the facts and conspiracies surrounding this case. We explore why this story has engrossed so many different people around the world and bring you news updates as they happen. Got a claim you want us to fact check? Email: themangionetrial@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp: +44 330 678 33 63 If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/p-TntofsVfY
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  Court update: Mangione’s plea 25.04.2025 16min

  This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates. Luigi Mangione enters his pleas to all federal charges over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mr Thompson, a father of two, was gunned down outside a Manhattan hotel late last year. Mangione faces four federal charges - murder, using a weapon with a silencer, and two counts of stalking. Prosecutors are seeking a death penalty. Jordan Dunbar hears from the BBC’s New York correspondent Nada Tawfik, who was in the packed Manhattan courtroom to hear Mangione enter his plea. Nada unpacks the important developments in the hearing, and describes the scenes as Mangione supporters gather outside.The Mangione Trial podcast unpicks the conspiracies around Luigi Mangione and considers the facts. The reaction to the murder of Brian Thompson and his suspected killer has been unprecedented. We will look at how such a shocking case set social media alight. If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/p-TntofsVfY
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  How US healthcare works 22.04.2025 32min

  This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates.The murder of health insurance CEO Brian Thompson shocked America but also led to rallies and protests about the country’s complicated and sometimes controversial healthcare system. Phrases like “Deny Defend Depose” appeared on social media. The same words were chanted at protest rallies in the weeks after Luigi Mangione was arrested. What do these slogans mean, and what have they got to do with a murder on the streets of New York? This episode explores how the health insurance system works in the United States and hears from one woman who says she spent $40,000 trying to get treatment for her daughter. The insurance company paying for the treatment explains why they believe there were delays in the process. The Mangione Trial podcast unpicks the conspiracies around Luigi Mangione and considers the facts. The reaction to the murder of Brian Thompson and his suspected killer has been unprecedented. We will look at how such a shocking case set social media alight.If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/p-TntofsVfY
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  What's coming next 17.04.2025 3min

  We just want to give you a quick update – a heads up that we have some new episodes on the way. With this podcast, we are bringing you episodes when there are developments in the case but are also bringing you episodes in which we try to unpick and explain the facts and examine and get to the bottom of conspiracy theories. On 23 April, we’ll be publishing the first of four new episodes – with the rest being published once a week for the following three weeks.If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service YouTube channel channel: https://youtu.be/p-TntofsVfY
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  News update: US prosecutors seek death penalty 01.04.2025 12min

  This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates. US attorney general Pam Bondi has announced prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, the man accused of shooting dead UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December. Mangione’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo has released a blistering statement attacking the decision. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state charges but has yet to enter a plea for federal charges. He is currently awaiting trial in a New York federal prison. Jordan Dunbar discusses the developments with the BBC’s New York correspondent Nada Tawfik who explains the latest news, and answers a question being asked on social media; does New York have the death penalty? The Mangione Trial podcast unpicks the conspiracies around Luigi Mangione and considers the facts. The reaction to the murder of Brian Thompson and his suspected killer has been unprecedented. We will look at how such a shocking case set social media alight. Why was there such a reaction to Mangione on TikTok and Reddit? We'll keep up to date with every development and explain what happens in the court process. If you have heard of a claim you want us to fact check, or a question for us to tackle, email us at themangionetrial@bbc.co.uk.If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/p-TntofsVfY
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  News update: Mangione appears in court 22.02.2025 14min

  This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates.Luigi Mangione appears in court for a brief hearing which draws hundreds of supporters, some chanting his name and wearing shirts adorned with his face. Jordan Dunbar gets the latest from the courtroom, speaking to BBC correspondent Nada Tawfik and legal analyst Terri Austin, who were both at the hearing in New York. Brian Thompson was a father of two and in December 2024 he was shot dead on the streets of New York, America’s biggest city. He left behind a shattered, grieving family. He was CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurer in the United States. The Mangione Trial podcast unpicks the conspiracies around Luigi Mangione and considers the facts. The reaction to the murder of Brian Thompson and his suspected killer has been unprecedented. We will look at how such a shocking case set social media alight. Luigi Mangione denies the charges he faces. If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/p-TntofsVfY
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  Who is Luigi Mangione and what’s he accused of? 18.02.2025 27min

  This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates.Accused of murder, Luigi Mangione’s case went viral. Jordan Dunbar presents a timeline of events, and with the help of guests Terri Austin and Joel Finkelstein, he examines the response to what happened. Brian Thompson was a father of two and in December 2024 he was shot dead on the streets of New York, America’s biggest city. He left behind a shattered, grieving family. He was CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurer in the United States. The Mangione Trial podcast unpicks the conspiracies around Luigi Mangione and considers the facts. The reaction to the murder of Brian Thompson and his suspected killer has been unprecedented. We will look at how such a shocking case set social media alight. Luigi Mangione denies the charges he faces. If you want to watch this podcast, it is also available on the BBC World Service's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/p-TntofsVfY
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  Introducing The Mangione Trial 14.02.2025 2min

  Accused of murder, Luigi Mangione’s case went viral. We unpick the facts and conspiracies. Mangione has been charged with killing health insurance chief executive Brian Thompson. He was shot in broad daylight in New York in December 2024, leaving behind a shattered, grieving family. He was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurer in the United States.We will be trying to understand how such a shocking case set the internet and social media alight. Why was there such a reaction to Mangione on TikTok and Reddit? Why is there such fascination with people who are accused of such serious crimes? We will explore the US health industry and wider attitudes to capitalism and corporations.Luigi Mangione was eventually arrested at a McDonald's in the town of Altoona in Pennsylvania. How did a wealthy American college student, a class valedictorian with a seemingly perfect future, become the subject of a nationwide manhunt? His arrest has sparked countless conspiracy theories. We will follow the case and unpack the facts.