Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, says he’s finding comfort in unexpected company while behind bars, Taylor Swift and Charli XCX.
Finding Pop in Prison
In a handwritten fan letter circulating online, verified by TMZ, Mangione revealed he’s been passing the time at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center by listening to Swift and Charli’s music on his prison-issued tablet. The twist? He admitted he’d never really listened to either artist before.
The discovery came after a fake list of Mangione’s “favorite artists” went viral online, prompting him to see what all the fuss was about. His curiosity led him to Taylor’s “cardigan,” which he described listening to during walks around the prison tier.
A Playlist Power Struggle
Mangione’s musical awakening didn’t sit well with everyone inside. According to his letter, another inmate known as “King” caught wind of his playlist and wasn’t impressed. “King roasted me and took my tablet,” Mangione wrote, adding that his cellmate swapped Swift and Charli for rapper Lil Durk.
Whether or not the musical makeover stuck, Mangione joked that his pop phase might be over, at least for now.
Gratitude Behind Bars
Beyond the lighthearted details, Mangione’s letter also reflected a surprising tone of appreciation. He wrote about being thankful for the small things, the food served, the letters he’s received from supporters, and moments of quiet in an otherwise grim situation.
It’s a glimpse into the daily reality of a man facing one of the most serious charges imaginable.
Facing the Music
Mangione is accused of fatally shooting Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4, 2024. He faces both state and federal charges, including murder with a firearm. If convicted on the federal charge, he could face the death penalty.
While the justice system determines his fate, Mangione seems to have found an unlikely escape in two of pop’s biggest names. Whether it’s “cardigan” or Charli’s club anthems, it appears a little bit of pop is giving him something to hold onto, even behind bars.
