Credit: Inside the MagicWhat was initially perceived as a harmless Disney-themed dance party has taken a chilling turn after going viral on social media. Videos from the Bop to the Top tour, held at the MGM Music Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, depict a surreal scene—Luigi Mangione’s pictures being flashed across a large screen, accompanied by music as a DJ played to an ecstatic crowd.
The 26-year-old’s unexpected connection to the event has left viewers questioning not only the party’s intent but also the rapid rise of Mangione’s fame.
The Viral Incident at Bop to the Top
The event, known for its mix of Disney anthems and other crowd-pleasers, shocked attendees when Mangione’s images appeared on a giant projector screen. Many concertgoers responded by cheering, a reaction that raised eyebrows across social media. A post on X (formerly Twitter) shared a clip from the night, revealing the crowd’s unsettling reaction:
“Watch shocking footage of concert attendees erupting in cheers and celebration during the Bop to the Top tour last night. The event, which is typically filled with lighthearted Disney songs, unexpectedly displayed photos of Luigi Mangione on the jumbo screen,” the post read.
Bop to the Top later commented, stating, “We gotta give the people what they want,” though the concert organizers have not issued an apology, and the content remains on their social media accounts.
While Disney has no affiliation with the concert, the visuals sparked confusion, with some wondering whether the cheers were meant to celebrate his capture or if Mangione’s growing online support was behind the crowd’s reaction.
Bop to the Top will be traveling to Walt Disney World on December 21 at Disney Springs’ House of Blues.
Raw Alerts (@rawalerts) shared the video on X, stating, “🚨#WATCH: As crowds of concert attendees cheer when the Bop to the Top tour puts photos of Luigi, who tragically m*rdered the healthcare CEO
📌#Boston | #Massachusetts
Watch shocking footage of concert attendees erupting in cheers and celebration during the Bop to the Top tour at the MGM Music Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, last night.
The event, known for playing Disney anthems and other popular songs, displayed photos of Luigi Mangione on a large jumbo screen. Luigi Mangione is accused of tragically m*rdering healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the open streets of Manhattan.
Many in the crowd appeared to celebrate the tragedy, with some fans even rallying to demand justice for Mangione. Bop to the Top has later said we gotta give what the people what they want. They have yet to issue an apology and still has the content posted on their social media pages.”
🚨#WATCH: As crowds of concert attendees cheer when the Bop to the Top tour puts photos of Luigi, who tragically m*rdered the healthcare CEO
⁰📌#Boston | #Massachusetts⁰
Watch shocking footage of concert attendees erupting in cheers and celebration during the Bop to the Top… pic.twitter.com/TmxtvDl7oa— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) December 14, 2024
The Growing Controversy
In the aftermath, Mangione’s name quickly gained traction online, with his arrest at the center of the frenzy. He had been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a tragedy that has turned the 26-year-old into an unlikely viral sensation.
As posts, memes, and calls for his release spread across the internet, the situation escalated. Some social media users even began raising money for Mangione’s bail, while others expressed shock at the seemingly contradictory nature of the crowd’s response.
One commenter on X expressed, “They were cheering when they showed his mugshot. They were probably cheering because that meant he was captured.” Meanwhile, others argued, “People seemed pretty happy when they started showing pictures of him. He already has a rapidly growing fan base.”
Details of the Murder Case
Luigi Mangione’s sudden fame is in stark contrast to the grim nature of the crime he is allegedly involved in. He has been accused of shooting and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. After being named a person of interest, Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 2024, after a massive manhunt.
Mangione’s defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, confirmed that he had retained her law firm to represent him. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has stated that Mangione could waive or contest his extradition to New York. If he is returned, he faces charges including premeditated first-degree murder.
The Growing Online Movement
Mangione’s case has taken an unexpected twist online, where many have started to rally behind him. Though his actions remain under investigation, online support has only intensified, with some seeing him as a victim of the system, especially due to his documented frustrations with the healthcare industry.
Notably, Mangione’s notes, found by investigators at the time of his arrest, reveal deep disdain for corporate America, particularly the healthcare industry, which he blamed for greed and corruption.
A source close to the investigation said that Mangione had written in his notebook that he initially considered using a bomb but decided that a shooting would be a more “targeted” approach. Investigators are now concerned that Mangione may have been influenced by past radical figures such as the “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski.
A Man with a Complex Background
Before his arrest, Mangione was an Ivy League graduate, earning a degree in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. He also worked as a data engineer at TrueCar before leaving the company in 2023. Despite his academic and professional success, Mangione had long struggled with severe back pain, a condition exacerbated by physical activity and surgeries.
According to those close to him, Mangione had been in chronic pain for years, and his condition worsened after a surfing injury in Hawaii in 2022. His back injury and subsequent spinal surgery seemed to contribute to his growing frustration, which some believe fueled his actions.
His mother even filed a missing person report for him in November 2023, though he was eventually identified as a suspect in the murder.
Legal Proceedings and Family Reaction
Mangione’s arrest has rocked his family, who are still in shock. A spokesperson for the Mangione family expressed devastation, stating, “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” The family’s ties to a prominent Maryland dynasty, including ownership of country clubs and health care facilities, have only added to the intrigue surrounding Mangione’s case.
His legal team is now focused on fighting his extradition to New York, with Mangione facing a complex legal battle. Meanwhile, law enforcement is continuing to probe the details of his actions and motives, especially after uncovering further disturbing evidence, such as a “ghost gun” that linked him to the shooting.
The Fallout from a Disturbing Trend
Mangione’s case raises broader concerns about the growing phenomenon of online communities rallying behind controversial figures, including those accused of heinous crimes. As social media continues to amplify these movements, questions are being raised about the ethical implications of such support, particularly when it appears to celebrate violence or murder.
As authorities work to ensure that Mangione faces justice for his alleged actions, the viral dance party at Bop to the Top serves as a reminder of the complex and often unsettling ways that online culture can intersect with real-world tragedies.